The Seahawks are headed down south for a defensive challenge.

UNCW (3-2) at Ole Miss (1-0)

5 p.m. | The Pavilion at Ole Miss | TV: SECN+ (ESPN+) | Listen | Game Notes

UNCW is fresh off a blowout victory on Wednesday against St. Andrews, which saw five Seahawks score in double-figures.

Coach Takayo Siddle’s decision to give his star scorer, Jaylen Sims, the night off seems to have paid off big in the form of confidence for other players, as Jake Boggs dropped a season-high 25 points, while senior Ty Gadsden added 23 after missing the game at ECU due to concussion protocol.

While the Seahawks dominated the Knights right from the tip, it was clear Siddle wasn’t pleased with his team’s effort in the halfcorut defense. Expect a more focused approach on that end of the court Saturday against the Rebels.

Ole Miss experienced a delayed start to their season due to COVID-19 complications, but showed no signs of rust in a resounding victory over Jackson State on Thursday in its season-opener.

Getting to know the Rebels:

Key Players: G Devontae Shuler (23 points, 3 steals), F Khadim Sy (11 points, 2 rebounds), F Romello White (8 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks), F KJ Buffen (7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists), G Jarkel Joiner (6 points, 2 assists, 1 steal), G Luis Rodriguez (4 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals).

Last Game: Ole Miss had no trouble dispatching Jackson State in an 80-45 victory.

KenPom rankings for UNCW: No. 223 overall, No. 211 Offense, No. 254 Defense.

KenPom rankings for Ole Miss: No. 39 overall, No. 64 Offense, No. 19 Defense.

KenPom forecast: Ole Miss 79, UNCW 61 (5 percent chance of victory)

Without further ado, here’s what to look for in tonight’s matchup:

Progression of the Frontcourt

It’s no secret that UNCW is a team that lacks high-major size on the inside.

However, the Seahawks been able to hold their own thanks to contributions from a number of players.

Senior John Bowen was the big surprise in Monday’s loss at ECU when he provided the Seahawks with a great effort vs. star forward Jayden Gardner, finishing with six eight rebounds and six blocks, along with consistently contesting shots around the bucket, helping him earn the start vs. SAU.

Imajae Dodd, coming off a season-low three minutes versus ECU, regained a spot in the rotation against St. Andrews and played well, showing his physicality and athleticism in finishing in the paint.

Ian Steere was the biggest draw for Seahawk fans on Wednesday, as he made his much-anticipated debut for his new squad. While the former four-star recruit and North Carolina native did appear a bit rusty in his first game, his frame and overall size was obvious. At 6-9, 240 pounds, Steere could end up being UNCW’s anchor in the middle.

With those three big men and Boggs active for the first time against a Division I opponent, keep an eye on how Siddle decides to divide up the minutes.

We know scoring will come from the perimeter, but it’s the progression of the big men that will ultimately take this team to another level.

Defensive Test

The Seahawks come into this game averaging just under 84 points, but face undoubtedly their biggest defensive challenge in the Rebels, who rank 19th in defensive efficiency according to KenPom.

Although the Rebels have only played one game against an overmatched opponent, they were able to limit JSU to 12 first half points in the 80-45 victory. Their discipline, intensity, and ability on that end of the floor was apparent, forcing 26 turnovers as the Tigers shot 30 percent from the field.

In addition to the return of 6-10, 240-pound center Khadim Sy, Ole Miss was able to nab graduate transfer Romello White, a 6-8, 240-pound big man, to form a stout defensive duo down low.

Look for Ole Miss to try to maintain that confidence on the defensive end early by attacking UNCW’s ballhandlers, as the Seahawks are still relying on Mike Okauru, Jaylen Sims and Ty Gadsden as Shykeim Phillips continues to recover from a leg injury.

Battle on the Perimeter

While Ole Miss lost their leading scorer of the last two seasons with the graduation of Breein Tyree, they’re in good shape to replace his production.

Former four-star recruit Devontae Shuler kicked off his senior campaign by scoring 23 points Thursday night, hitting all five of his 3-point attempts as he becomes the Rebels’ go-to guard.

In addition to Shuler, Ole Miss’ Matthew Murrell has the potential to play a major role for the Rebels. ESPN’s 39th overall recruit in the class of 2020 and Mississippi’s highest-ranked recruit in 20 years, the 6-4, 200-pound Murrell has both the physical tools and skills to quickly become an impact player.

With the CAA’s leading scorer, Sims, well-rested heading into this game and the recent emergence of guys like Joe Pridgen, Ty Gadsden, and Jamahri Harvey, there will be plenty of offensive firepower on the court on Saturday evening.

Quick Tips

• This is the first meeting between UNCW and Ole Miss.

• Coach Kermit Davis’s Middle Tennessee State team topped UNCW 68-63 on Nov. 25, 2016 in Nashville, in a matchup of two of the nation’s top mid-major programs that season.

• Averaging 27 points through four games played, Sims ranks third nationally in scoring average among players who have appeared in more than one game.

• Boggs has committed just one turnover in 106 minutes of playing time this season.

• The 6-3, 185-pound Okauru still leads UNCW in rebounding rate, grabbing 23.1 percent of available defensive rebounds.

• UNCW hasn’t won two games in December since the 2016-17 season when the Seahawks went 6-1. Since then, UNCW is 2-19 in December games, with both wins coming against non-Division I opponents.

• Dec. 12 has been an interesting day for UNCW over the past 20 years, coming up short in two thrillers against Wisconsin (2005) and Georgetown (2015) and knocking off Wake Forest in 2010.