The Texas Longhorns are hoping a strong finish to the season can get them in the conversation for an NCAA men’s tournament berth. They have a golden chance to add another victory to the docket when the Longhorns host the Ole Miss Rebels this weekend.
Mississippi has struggled against high-major conference competition this season and is expected to be a substantial underdog in this showdown. Texas has both the home court advantage and the superior personnel so it would be a disappointment if it can’t come away with a convincing victory.
This war on the floor will go down Saturday, January 27, 2018, at 2 p.m. ET at the Frank Erwin Center. This game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
We'll have NCAA basketball odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the college basketball Saturday schedule.
Odds Analysis
Ole Miss is 11-9 straight up and 9-10 against the spread. The Rebels have played five road games on the season and covered in three of them. Ole Miss has gone 3-4 against the spread as the underdog.
Texas is 13-7 straight up and 9-8 against the spread. The Longhorns have covered in five of eight attempts at home on the season. Texas is 5-3 against the spread as the favorite.
Lookahead Situation
Texas is in a good position to win this game but can’t afford to lose focus. That won’t be the easiest task, as it has a pair of ranked games coming up consecutively after this matchup.
The Longhorns will follow this game against Ole Miss by hitting the road to face off against No. 14 Texas Tech. They will then return home for another pivotal game against No. 12 Oklahoma. Those are both big games, as the Longhorns could turn some heads if they can pick up a win over a ranked opponent.
They recently did so, knocking off the Red Raiders a few games back. Texas wants to win this game handily before turning its attention forward, but there is always a worry about a trap game before a pair of big contests like these.
It should be evident early on what kind of energy and focus the Longhorns bring to the game. If they aren’t motivated, Ole Miss could make this a closer game than expected.
Player To Watch
Deandre Burnett -- The Mississippi senior guard must have a big game in this one if the Rebels plan on hanging around. Burnett has been one of the team’s best players the last couple of years. He is averaging 14.8 points, 4.7 assists and 2.2 rebounds per contest.
Burnett is shooting 42 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from three-point range. If he can get in a groove from the outside, it will give the Rebels a shot at sticking close. Burnett had 24 points out last time out to help Ole Miss knock off Alabama.
Free NCAA Men’s Basketball ATS Picks
Mississippi is barely hanging around over .500 on the season and has regularly been outclassed by superior opponents. Texas isn’t a great team but it is decent. If this game was in Oxford, it would give the Rebels a much better shot at the victory.
The Longhorns’ home court advantage, though, is a big help and should help pave the way for a victory. It is an important game for Texas as it needs to keep piling up the victories at this point in the season to have a shot at March Madness.
While Texas should win this game, the spread will be interesting. Ole Miss could cover if the Longhorns are given too much of the benefit of the doubt. This is a game that could be closer than expected down the stretch.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Odds: Texas 70, Mississippi 66
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