Preview: Mississippi State at Mississippi OXFORD, Miss. (Interstat) — The latest chapter in the intense in-state rivalry between Mississippi and Mississippi State will be written Saturday when the Rebels host the Bulldogs in a Southeastern Conference men’s basketball matchup at The Pavilion at Ole Miss. Both teams enter the Valentine’s Day contest seeking to halt significant slides. The visiting Bulldogs (9-13, 1-9 SEC) have lost six of their last seven games, while the Rebels (11-13, 2-9 SEC) are mired in a seven-game losing streak. The game is a rematch of a Jan. 17 thriller in Starkville, where Mississippi escaped with a 68-67 victory. Mississippi State will lean heavily on guard Josh Hubbard, who is coming off a 31-point performance in a 73-64 loss to Tennessee on Wednesday. Over his last seven games, Hubbard is averaging 18 points. He scored 13 points in the first meeting against the Rebels. Mississippi counters with high-scoring wing AJ Storr, who poured in 27 points against Alabama on Wednesday. Storr was pivotal in the first matchup, leading the Rebels with 17 points, including the go-ahead free throw with 2.8 seconds remaining. The Bulldogs’ recent struggles are underscored by a stretch of poor defensive performances, allowing an average of 82.8 points over their last five losses. The Rebels have faced similar issues, particularly on the road, but return home where they have been more competitive. Despite the challenging seasons, the rivalry ensures a heightened atmosphere. Mississippi State’s only SEC win since December came on the road at LSU, suggesting capability away from home. Mississippi will aim to protect its home court and complete the regular-season sweep. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. CST Saturday. Mississippi State visits Auburn next Wednesday, while Mississippi travels to face Texas A&M.