Western Michigan @ Mississippi preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 10, 2018 ) Western Michigan 64, Mississippi 90

Ole Miss is off to a perfect start through two games entering Friday’s home contest against Western Michigan, leaning heavily on a trio of returnees who have impressed in leading the Rebels to back-to-back victories. Sophomore forward K.J. Buffen, junior guard Devontae Shuler and senior guard Breein Tyree have averaged a combined 49 points, and the trio teamed up for 56 in Tuesday’s 68-55 home victory over Norfolk State.

Buffen (19.5 points), Shuler (16) and Tyree (13.5) have accounted for 70.5 percent of the Rebels' offensive production, and are shooting a combined 53.7 percent from the field. “I am a lot stronger in my second year, so it is just easier,” Buffen told reporters after setting a career high with 23 points against Norfolk State. “I am more comfortable out there.” The good work out of those three has helped offset the absence of sophomore forward Blake Hinson, who is sidelined with a blood abnormality. The Broncos returned three starters and 11 players total from last season’s eight-win squad, and have opened the season with three consecutive victories for the first time since 2014.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, SEC Network Plus

ABOUT WESTERN MICHIGAN (3-0): The Broncos have scored 281 points through three games, the highest mark in school history. Junior guard Michael Flowers, who averaged 15.7 points last season, is averaging 25.3 points while shooting 13-for-17 from 3-point range, and scored 34 Saturday against Milwaukee after scoring 24 in the season opener against McNeese State. Junior forward Brandon Johnson, who redshirted last season due to injury, scored 21 points with 15 rebounds against Milwaukee and came back Tuesday with 20 points and nine boards against Mississippi Valley State.

ABOUT OLE MISS (2-0): Hinson, who averaged 8.3 points and shot 34.8 percent from 3-point range in 32 games a season ago, could be cleared to practice as soon as next week. Buffen is 14-for-19 from the field and is averaging nine rebounds, while Shuler is 12-for-21 shooting overall and 5-for-11 from 3-point range. After Friday’s contest, the Rebels wrap up a four-game homestand Tuesday against Seattle before playing their first road game Nov. 23 at No. 15 Memphis.

TIP-INS

1. Ole Miss junior F Khadim Sy, a junior college transfer who averaged 16.8 points and 9.8 rebounds at Daytona State last season, scored eight points with four rebounds in the Nov. 8 season opener against Arkansas State.

2. Tyree is off to a slow shooting start through two games, going 10-for-27 from the field and 3-for-15 from 3-point range.

3. Western Michigan has allowed 85.3 points per game but won its three games by an average margin of 8.4 points.

PREDICTION: Ole Miss 81, Western Michigan 75