NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — A season of struggles for Mississippi will collide with Texas’s late-season slide when the teams meet Wednesday in the opening round of the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament.

The 12th-seeded Rebels (12-19) enter having lost nine of their last 10 games, including a 61-64 heartbreaker to South Carolina on Saturday. The 13th-seeded Longhorns (18-13) have dropped four of their last five, most recently an 85-88 overtime defeat to Oklahoma.

Texas won the regular-season meeting 79-68 in Austin on Feb. 7, part of a challenging conference slate for both programs.

Mississippi’s hopes hinge on the scoring surge of forward Malik Dia. Over his last seven games, Dia is averaging 20.1 points, including a 32-point outburst against Mississippi State and a 22-point performance last time out. His efficiency will be critical for a Rebels team that has been competitive in narrow losses but ranks near the bottom of the SEC standings.

Texas counters with guard Dailyn Swain, a versatile playmaker coming off an 18-point, 8-assist effort in 41 minutes against Oklahoma. Swain has been a consistent offensive force, scoring in double figures in seven consecutive games and averaging 19.1 points over that stretch. His backcourt matchup with Mississippi’s AJ Storr, who had 13 points against South Carolina, will be pivotal.

The game at Bridgestone Arena is a single-elimination opportunity for both teams to salvage their seasons. Texas, with a stronger overall record, likely needs a deep tournament run to bolster its postseason resume. For Mississippi, it is a chance to end a difficult year on a positive note and play spoiler.

Tipoff is scheduled for approximately 8 p.m. CDT Wednesday. The winner will advance to face fifth-seeded South Carolina in the second round on Thursday.