Coming off a 4-game skid, Ole Miss Rebels are vying for a turnaround in their SEC Tournament opener against Auburn.
Still, they're limping into Greenville, running on fumes with all these injuries. Latasha Lattimore's injury during the Texas A&M game, plus Sira Thienou already suffering from a bone bruise puts the Rebels in a precarious position.
Ole Miss vs. Auburn will be an exciting matchup during the second round of the tournament on Day 2 for two reasons. One is Auburn winning as the underdog to get to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. And second is Rebels' 4-game losing streak. Can they snap it against an opponent they've already crushed once in the regular season?
Injuries to continue haunting Ole Miss
SEC Network analysts Mike Neighbors and Nell Fortner believe the injuries will definitely play a part.
"Talking to Coach Yo, this is the most rest they’ve had in two weeks—from Sunday to Thursday. It’s not a ton, but it’s something," Neighbours said.
“Can they get healthier? Can Latasha Lattimore get rested up with those few days off? Can Cotie McMahon get some rest? They’ve had a lot of games on their bodies. I think Ole Miss will be ready. They’ve got too many veterans not to show up prepared in their first game.”
Fortner's two cents didn't come off as too hopeful either.
“(The Rebels) really have been through the ringer. They had that brutal seven-day stretch — facing four Top 25 teams in seven days. That’s like a WNBA schedule."
"They lost (starting guard) Sira Thienou (to a knee injury) during that stretch, and that hurt. Tianna Thompson has stepped up, but they’re still losing even when she plays well. They’re limping to the finish line, and I hate that for them because I like that team."
Coming off a strecth that unforgiving, theie SEC Tournament opener will be a test to gauge whether they can make it to the Big Dance this season.
Ole Miss takes on Auburn on March 5.