Norman, Okla. – Oklahoma used a strong first half to post a 96-84 win over No. 15/19 University of Missouri men's basketball on Wednesday night.

The Tigers are now 21-9 on the season and 10-7 in SEC play, while the Sooners improve to 18-12 and 5-12 against league foes.

MIZZOU LEADERS
Junior Mark Mitchell led the Tigers with 18 points, making 7-of-8 field goals on the night. Graduate student Caleb Grill added 16 points and a team-best eight rebounds, while classmate Marques Warrick chipped in 10 points and a team-best five assists.

GAME RECAP
The Sooners started the contest strong on the offensive end, scoring on their first seven possessions to move in front, 14-6. The Tigers fought through the early OU run and used a 7-0 spurt to move in front by a pair, 18-16. However, Oklahoma continued its offensive pressure and made nine-straight field goals during a 19-5 run to grab the lead for good, 37-25.

After taking a 13-point lead into the locker room, 50-37, the Sooners would stretch their lead to as many as 18 early in the second stanza before the Tigers made their move. An 8-0 stretch pulled Mizzou within single digits, 69-60, with over eight minutes remaining and a Grill 3-pointer pulled the team to within eight, 77-69, with just under five minutes left. However, the Sooners had the answer down the stretch to earn the 96-84 victory.

TEAM STATS
The Tigers shot 46.7 percent on the day but couldn't overcome the Sooners' 57.1 percent shooting. Oklahoma also won the battle in the paint, 48-34, en route to the victory.

UP NEXT
Mizzou closes out the regular season on Saturday, hosting No. 19/24 Kentucky on Senior Day. The battle of nationally-ranked schools begins at 11 a.m. inside Mizzou Arena on ESPN.