OXFORD - Andy Kennedy has tried to avoid placing more value on one game than another, but that's getting harder to do.

The numbers will be computed at the end of the season, the Ole Miss coach says, the body of work judged, and a streak of nine seasons without an NCAA tournament appearance either ended or extended.

Even Kennedy gives into the "big game" theory tonight - to some degree at least - as the Rebels take on Vanderbilt at 8 p.m., at Tad Smith Coliseum.

With RPI being among the most primary components used by the NCAA selection committee to determine at-large bids to the tournament, the Rebels have a chance to boost a resume in need of a marquee conference win.

Ratings Percentage Index considers a team's record and schedule strength, opponents' records and schedules and other factors before assigning a number.

Vanderbilt (17-8, 6-4 SEC) is third in the league and arrives at Tad Smith with an RPI ranking of 29. Ole Miss (15-9, 5-5) has an RPI of 50. Ole Miss is 2-6 against top 50 RPI teams.

"The day and age in which we live, the talk about about who's in, who's out, we realize our opportunities are becoming more limited," Kennedy said.

The Rebels have another RPI opportunity Saturday - on paper an even more difficult one - at RPI No. 3 Kentucky. The Wildcats are No. 1 in the Top 25 polls.

Kennedy is willing to give a little in the "big game talk," but says tonight's matchup with Vanderbilt is more about location than RPI.

"The day and age in which we live, the talk about about who's in, who's out, we realize our opportunities are becoming more limited," he said. "So our players understand the significance of the game, the fact that we've only got six left, three of them in this building. The numbers have shown how difficult it is to win on the road, so you better win your home games to have a chance."

Vanderbilt presents a number of defensive challenges for the Rebels with the top two scorers in the league and a serious low-post threat.

John Jenkins, Jeffery Taylor and Festus Ezeli are as diverse as they are talented.

Jenkins leads the SEC with 19.5 points a game, followed by Taylor at 17.6.

Jenkins' 43.8 3-point percentage is second, his 3.8 3-pointers per game first. Taylor is shooting 53.4 percent and adds 5.9 rebounds a game.

Ezeli, Vandy's 6-foot-11, 250 pound center, demands enough attention to free up Jenkins and Taylor for plenty of open looks.

"Jenkins is the best shooter in the country, and the other guy's a major athlete," Ole Miss guard Nick Williams said. "We're going to have to come in and play tough."

If the Rebels prove to be tough enough, Williams believes they'll get over the hump tonight and in the coming weeks with an NCAA bid.

"I know so. We just have to play up to our potential and stop being so inconsistent, just treat every day the same. I think we'll make the tournament if we do that."

parrish.alford@journalinc.com