Ole Miss Looks to Overcome Poor Nonconference Schedule with Win against Kentucky

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
13/02/2024 23h00

In a quest to bolster their tournament résumé, the Ole Miss Rebels are gearing up to face the Kentucky Wildcats on Tuesday night. The Rebels face an uphill battle, as their wretched nonconference schedule currently ranks 321st, putting them at a disadvantage for securing an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament.

Ole Miss understands the importance of quality wins in overcoming their weak nonconference performance. With their best win so far coming against Texas A&M, the Rebels are well aware that they need to capitalize on every opportunity to secure victories once conference play begins.

On the other hand, Kentucky has been struggling with their home record lately, and the Rebels are hopeful that the trend continues in their favor. A win against the Wildcats would significantly boost Ole Miss' chances of making a strong case for a tournament bid.

Meanwhile, the Texas Tech Red Raiders made a resounding statement with a convincing 79-50 victory over Kansas on Monday. The result, despite the scoreline, was not as close as it seemed, showcasing the Red Raiders' dominance. Texas Tech now faces a challenging stretch with four of their next six games on the road. This win over Kansas served as a crucial confidence boost as they prepare for the demanding upcoming fixtures.

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons, after falling short in their recent game against Duke, are still in search of their first Quad 1 win. Although time is running out, Wake Forest remains hopeful as they still have a few chances left in the regular season to make their mark, starting with their return game against Duke.

Elsewhere, St. John's and the Cincinnati Bearcats find themselves in similar situations, striving to improve their records against tougher opponents. With both teams having a limited number of games remaining against the top three quadrants, winning is crucial to enhance their chances of securing a coveted NCAA Tournament spot.

The AP Top 25 has welcomed the Indiana State Sycamores back into its ranks for the first time since the legendary Larry Bird was leading the team. While their return to the rankings brings excitement, the Sycamores know that every game from now on is of utmost importance if they are to have any chance of obtaining an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament.

Meanwhile, the Texas A&M Aggies cannot afford to lose games like their upcoming match against Vanderbilt. Already having suffered a Quad 3 loss, the Aggies need to steer clear of any further stumbles. With a challenging remaining schedule ahead, every win is crucial for their tournament hopes.

Lastly, the New Mexico Lobos have been lauded as Home Court Heroes this season. However, recent losses to Boise State and Nevada on their home turf have dampened their spirits. As they head into a road-heavy portion of their schedule, the Lobos must aim to secure victories against other NCAA Tournament contenders in the Mountain West Conference to solidify their at-large bid prospects.

As the college basketball season reaches its crucial stage, teams across the nation are relying on every opportunity to enhance their résumés and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. With high-stakes matches on the horizon, each game becomes a must-win for teams fighting for their postseason dreams.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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