GREENVILLE, S.C. (Interstat) — A surging Vanderbilt team seeking redemption meets a Mississippi squad that has already proven it can pull off the upset in a Southeastern Conference women’s basketball tournament semifinal Friday at Bi-Lo Center.

The No. 2-seeded Commodores (27-3), ranked among the nation’s elite, carry a dominant record and the momentum of a six-game winning streak since their last loss on Feb. 15. Their offense is powered by star guard Mikayla Blakes, who has been on a historic tear. Over her last six games, Blakes is averaging 33.2 points, including outbursts of 35, 35 and 34 points. She logged 40 minutes and 34 points in Vanderbilt’s most recent win, an 87-77 victory at Tennessee on March 1.

Standing in their way is the 6th-seeded Ole Miss Rebels (22-10), who handed Vanderbilt one of its three losses this season. On Jan. 30 in Oxford, Mississippi rallied for an 83-75 victory. The Rebels, however, have been inconsistent since, going 4-5 in their last nine games. They advanced with a 73-57 win over Auburn on Thursday, led by 18 points from forward Christeen Iwuala.

Iwuala will be a key factor for Mississippi. She posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in a loss at South Carolina on Feb. 22 and scored 16 in the win over Tennessee on Feb. 17. Containing Blakes, however, will be the primary defensive challenge for a Rebel team that allows an average of 66.2 points per game.

Vanderbilt, which averages 82.2 points, presents a multifaceted attack. In the win over Tennessee, Aubrey Galvan added 24 points and Sacha Washington scored 16. Their lone meeting this season serves as a blueprint for Mississippi but also as motivation for a Commodores team that has lost only to Georgia and South Carolina since.

The neutral court in Greenville adds another layer. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Vanderbilt is projected with a 72.5% probability to win. Tipoff is set for Friday evening, with the winner advancing to the SEC tournament championship game.