The No. 4 Missouri Tigers' run of tight games from which they have managed to emerge victorious continued Monday night in a tough road win over the Oklahoma Sooners, 71-68. Marcus Denmon, who would appear to be closing in on Thomas Robinson in Big 12 Player of the Year discussions, scored 25 to lead the Tigers in what looked like a classic trap game after their huge win over Kansas this weekend.
The Tigers (22-2, 9-2 Big 12) are now in first place in the Big 12, just a half-game ahead of No. 6 Baylor and No. 7 Kansas. In head coach Frank Haith's first year in Columbia, the Tigers have lost just two games all season, to Oklahoma State and Kansas State, going undefeated against the afore-metioned Bears and Jayhawks, the other elite in-conference teams. Ricardo Ratliffe was also huge, finishing with 15 points and 10 rebounds in the win.
The Sooners gave it everything they had for a home crowd, but came up just a little short. They were led by Sam Grooms, who was the Sooners' floor leader, with 17 points and 10 assists, shooting 7-9 from the field with just two turnovers. His backcourt mate Steven Pledger chipped in 22 points and five rebounds.
For more on these two teams, visit Missouri blog Rock M Nation and Oklahoma blog Crimson And Cream Machine.