The NCAA Tournament Schedule: Ole Miss Basketball vs. Iowa State Cyclones Start Time

Chris Beard and the No. 3 seeded Ole Miss Rebels will square off against the Iowa State Cyclones on Sunday night in Milwaukee (Wisc.) for a chance to punch their ticket to the Sweet 16.

Beard and Co. are coming off of a thrilling First Round win over the North Carolina Tar Heels to reach the Round of 32.

Now, it's a date against Iowa State inching closer with the Rebels ready for the challenge that lies ahead.

"Nothing but respect for Iowa State. T.J. (Otzelberger) does a great job. Their team has an identity, doesn’t take long to figure it out. They’re physical. They’re connected. They’re hard-playing guys.

"I think it’s a great coaching fit, T.J., with Iowa State. He’s impacted that program for a long time, not only as a head coach, but as an assistant coach. And we competed against each other along the way.

"But, yes, a physical, hard-playing team that doesn’t beat themselves. So, again, we’ll have to play our best 40 minutes of the season to try to get to next weekend."

It'll be a tall task for the Rebels with Beard's group entering the matchup as near five-point underdogs, but all eyes will be on the critical matchup for a chance to survive and advance.