NORMAN, Okla. (Interstat) — The Oklahoma Sooners, riding a four-game winning streak, will host the Mississippi Rebels in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup organized by the Southeastern Conference on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at Lloyd Noble Center.

Oklahoma (10-3) enters with significant momentum, having averaged 93.5 points during its current streak. The Sooners’ offense is powered by guard Xzayvier Brown, who has scored 21 or more points in three of the last four games. Brown is coming off a 22-point, five-assist performance in a 93-69 rout of Mississippi Valley State on Dec. 29.

Mississippi (8-5) has won three of its last four, most recently a 79-43 victory over Alcorn State on Monday. Guard Patton Pinkins led the Rebels with 13 points in that win, showcasing the scoring burst he provided earlier in December with 12 points against Southern Miss. Consistency will be key for Pinkins, whose minutes and production have fluctuated in recent outings.

The game presents a contrast in trajectories. Oklahoma’s three losses came against strong competition: Arizona State, Nebraska and a narrow road defeat at Marquette. The Sooners boast a key resume victory, an 85-76 road win at Oklahoma State on Dec. 13.

Mississippi has struggled against high-major opponents, with losses to North Carolina State, Saint John’s, Miami (Fla.), Utah and Iowa. The Rebels’ most notable win is an 83-77 season-opening victory over Memphis.

For Oklahoma, this game serves as a final tune-up before beginning a rigorous SEC schedule. The Sooners’ next 10 games are all against conference foes, starting with a trip to Mississippi State on Jan. 7.

Mississippi also jumps into SEC play next week, hosting Arkansas on Jan. 7. A road upset of a hot Oklahoma team would provide a major confidence boost for that league slate.

The matchup hinges on Oklahoma’s high-powered offense against a Mississippi team that has held its last four opponents under 70 points. Containing Brown will be the primary defensive challenge for the Rebels, while the Sooners must account for Pinkins and fellow guard Kezza Giffa, who scored 14 against Alcorn State.

Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman.