GREENVILLE, S.C. (Interstat) — The Auburn and Mississippi women’s basketball teams will meet for the second time in just over a month when they open play in the Southeastern Conference Tournament on Thursday at the Bi-Lo Center.

The No. 9-seeded Rebels (21-10) enter as heavy favorites after handily defeating the No. 16-seeded Tigers (14-16) 71-45 in Oxford on Feb. 2. Mississippi has lost four of its last five games, however, including a 66-58 defeat to Texas A&M on Sunday. Auburn has lost seven of its last eight, most recently a 70-41 road loss to Arkansas on March 1.

A key matchup will feature Auburn guard Harissoum Coulibaly against Mississippi’s standout Cotie McMahon. Coulibaly has been a bright spot for the struggling Tigers, averaging 11.4 points over her last five games. She scored 15 points in 28 minutes in the loss to Arkansas.

McMahon, however, presents a significant challenge. The dynamic guard is averaging 22.0 points over her last six contests, including a 39-point, five-assist explosion in a win over Tennessee on Feb. 17. She scored 19 points in the Rebels’ most recent loss.

In the February meeting, Mississippi’s defense stifled Auburn, holding the Tigers to 27.3% shooting from the field. Auburn will need to find consistent offense to avoid a similar fate, as it has failed to reach 65 points in any of its last 11 games.

The winner will advance to face No. 8-seeded Florida in the second round on Friday. The Rebels will look to leverage their regular-season victory and superior record to advance, while the Tigers aim to salvage a difficult season with a tournament upset.

Tipoff is scheduled for approximately 12 p.m. EDT on Thursday, March 5.