PEARL — Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco knows he sounds like he’s spewing clichés when he talks about every Southeastern Conference game being crucial. As he rightly points out, however, in a race this tightly congested, it’s absolutely true.

The second half of the SEC schedule begins tonight when the Rebels take on Auburn in the opener of a three-game series. Ole Miss (23-15, 8-7 SEC) is tied for first place in the Western Division with Arkansas and Alabama, while Auburn (20-16, 7-8) is a game back.

They’re among six teams separated by three games, all fighting for five spots in the SEC Tournament. Two others, Tennessee and LSU, have struggled in the first half but are both 4-11 in league play and perhaps one weekend sweep away from getting back in the race.

With the pack that tight, a three-game sweep against another contender — exactly the opportunity in front of both Ole Miss and Auburn this weekend — can produce a huge swing in momentum and the standings.