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Looking ahead: MSU wraps up its regular season this week, traveling to South Carolina (10-18, 2-12) on Wednesday and hosting Arkansas (18-11, 6-8) on Saturday. The Razorbacks won the first meeting, 98-88, in Fayetteville on Jan. 7.
Who's hot: Point guard Dee Bost had a solid week, averaging 17.5 points on 10-of-25 shooting, including 6 of 12 from 3-point range. He also recorded 11 assists and seven steals in the two games. At the free throw line, he was 8 of 8 versus Kentucky but just 1 of 5 against Alabama.
Who's not: Arnett Moultrie has not been the dynamic presence lately MSU's used to seeing. He had 13 points and 11 rebounds against Kentucky, but then was limited to seven points on three shots at Alabama. His scoring average has dipped a full point over the past four games, to 16.0.
RPI watch: The Bulldogs keep falling, down another seven spots from last week to 64, according to RealTimeRPI.com. Looking ahead, South Carolina sports an SEC-low 185 ranking, while Arkansas is at 83.
Bottom line: The poor RPI is just one indication of how tough it'll be for State to reach the NCAA tournament. It's still a possibility, but the Bulldogs' bubble status is weakening. With starting guard Rodney Hood out due to an injury - he's doubtful for Wednesday - MSU has offensive challenges that it needs to resolve quickly.
Brad Locke
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Ole Miss (16-12, 6-8 SEC)
Looking back: The Rebels jumped out to a 15-2 lead but squandered it almost as quickly in a 73-60 loss at Tennessee on Wednesday.
Ole Miss struggled to defend the Vols, and the Vols capitalized at the free throw line going 17-for-21 in the second half.
On Saturday, the Rebels defeated LSU 72-48, a complete turnaround from their 26-point loss in Baton Rouge to open SEC play back on Jan. 7.
Looking ahead: The Rebels visit Arkansas on Tuesday night at 6 in an ESPNU telecast, then complete the regular season at home Saturday at 3 against Alabama in an SEC Network TV game.
Who's hot: Terrance Henry. The senior forward had 21 points on 7 for 12 shooting against LSU. Nick Williams. The junior guard had 18 points on 7 for 10 shooting and was 3 for 5 behind the arc against the Tigers.
Who's not: Freshman point guard Jarvis Summers. Summers was 2 for 6 from the floor, 0 for 2 from the free throw line against LSU.
RPI watch: Ole Miss begins the week with an RPI of 69 following the win over LSU. Arkansas is at 83, Alabama at 25.
Bottom Line: When Williams and Henry score together, the Rebels' chances of winning increase dramatically. When those two score and the other elements fall into play - like 11 rebounds from Reggie Buckner - the Rebels can be really good. If the LSU game is an indication, it appears the Rebels will have some fight in the final week of the regular season. If so, they'll play their way into the NIT.
Parrish Alford