Mark Mitchell scored 25 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with no time left in overtime, as Missouri edged Oklahoma 88-87 on Saturday at Mizzou Arena in Columbia. The dramatic finish capped a back-and-forth battle featuring 24 lead changes and 15 ties, showcasing two resilient college basketball teams refusing to quit in a thrilling SEC matchup.
Buzzer-Beater Drama
The overtime thriller was set up by another dramatic moment—a 37-foot pull-up 3-pointer from Missouri’s Trent Pierce at the end of regulation that forced the extra period. With Oklahoma holding an 81-78 advantage with five seconds left, Pierce connected on an assist from T.O. Barrett to tie the game and send the action to overtime.
Mitchell received the inbounds pass with no timeouts remaining and drove down the court before launching his game-winner over two defenders. It marked the first buzzer-beater to give Missouri basketball a win since DeAndre Gholston’s shot against Tennessee on Feb. 11, 2023.
Balanced Scoring Fuels Tigers
The Tigers (14-6, 4-3 SEC) got balanced scoring from multiple sources. Barrett, making his first career start for Missouri basketball, delivered a career-high 21 points along with six rebounds and three steals. Jayden Stone added 20 points and seven rebounds, while Mitchell also grabbed 10 boards for his fifth career double-double, reaching 1,500 career points in the process.
Shawn Phillips Jr. contributed nine rebounds and three blocks as Missouri finished with a commanding 41-29 rebounding advantage, including a 17-5 edge in offensive boards and a devastating 19-3 advantage in second-chance points.
Oklahoma’s Losing Streak Continues
The loss marked Oklahoma’s sixth consecutive defeat after opening the season 11-3. The Sooners fell to 11-9 overall and 1-6 in SEC play despite strong shooting performances from their perimeter players.
Nijel Pack led Oklahoma basketball with 25 points and five 3-pointers while adding five assists. Xzayvier Brown scored 19 points with six assists, and Derrion Reid contributed 12 points and five rebounds. Despite shooting 48% from the field and 44% from beyond the arc, the Sooners’ offensive efficiency couldn’t overcome their rebounding disadvantage and defensive lapses inside.
Road Ahead for Both Teams
Missouri travels to face No. 17 Alabama on Tuesday, hoping to build momentum heading into the latter stages of conference play. Oklahoma hosts No. 20 Arkansas on Tuesday as the Sooners attempt to halt their skid at home and find their footing in conference competition.
