Tigers take lead into halftime
If No. 5 Oklahoma is going to become the first team this season to beat Missouri at Mizzou Arena, the Sooners were going to have to withstand the haymakers thrown by the fired-up Tigers on an emotional Senior Night. So far, Missouri's connected on multiple blows but the Sooners remain standing. Missouri leads Oklahoma, 39-28, at halftime.
Coach Mike Anderson elected to start his four seniors - DeMarre Carroll, Leo Lyons, sixth man Matt Lawrence, and little-used Mike Anderson Jr. The four, along with junior J.T. Tiller, sprung Missouri to 13-5 lead. In approximately four minutes, Anderson Jr. contributed two steals, an assist and a rebound.
Missouri's bench has played a bigger role in tonight's game than it did in Missouri's loss to Kansas last Sunday. Justin Safford, Zaire Taylor and Marcus Denmon each have six points, while English has added one point. The 19-point total is 13 points more than Missouri's bench players scored all game in Lawrence, Kan.
Oklahoma superstar forward Blake Griffin has been limited to 11 points and 9 rebounds. Griffin's next rebound will result in his 24th double-double of the season.