Kristian Ferrell
The Oklahoma Sooners and the Missouri Tigers have a long history of competing against each other in the NCAA Tournament. Both teams have had their fair share of successes and have produced talented players over the years. Oklahoma has been to the NCAA Tournament 20 times since 1995 and has made it to the Final Four twice, while Missouri has had strong seasons in recent years, with a good record in non-conference play and impressive wins over ranked teams. Both teams have passionate fan bases and a history of memorable matchups, but which team is better? Let's take a closer look at their performances and see how they stack up.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma's NCAA Tournament appearances since 1995 | 20 |
| Oklahoma's Final Four appearances since 1995 | 2 |
| Oklahoma's NBA No. 1 overall pick | Blake Griffin |
| Oklahoma's NBA players | Buddy Hield, Trae Young |
| Missouri's AP Top 25 ranking in 2021 | Ranked most of the season, fell out in February |
| Missouri's record in 2021 | 16-9 overall, 8-8 in Southeastern Conference play |
| Oklahoma's record in 2021 | 15-10 overall, 9-8 in Big 12 Conference play |
| Missouri's record in non-conference play in 2021 | 6-0 |
| Missouri's top scorers in 2021 | Xaiver Pinson, Dru Smith (14.1 points per game each) |
| Missouri's top rebounder in 2021 | Jeremiah Tilmon (7.0 rebounds per game) |
| Missouri's top steals leader in 2021 | Smith (2.0 per game) |
| Oklahoma's points, rebounds, and assists per game from Harmon in 2021 | 12.9, 3.4, and 2.04 |
| Oklahoma's points and rebounds per game from Manek in 2021 | 10.8 and 5.1 |
| Oklahoma's record against Missouri in 2021 | 77-66 win |
| Oklahoma's record against Missouri in 2025 | 96-84 win |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Missouri Tigers in the NCAA Tournament
The Oklahoma Sooners and the Missouri Tigers have a long history of competition in the NCAA Tournament. Both teams have had their fair share of successes and setbacks over the years, and their matchups are often highly anticipated and closely contested.
In the 2020-2021 season, the Oklahoma Sooners and Missouri Tigers were set to face off in one of the most challenging 9-8 matchups in the NCAA Tournament's first round. Both teams had experienced similar seasons, with the Sooners finishing 15-10 and 9-8 in the Big 12, while the Tigers concluded with a record of 16-9 and 8-8 in the SEC. They had both achieved significant victories over ranked teams and had struggled towards the end of the season. The Sooners had lost five of their last six games before the tournament, including a 69-62 loss to Kansas in the Big 12 Tournament. On the other hand, the Tigers had started 6-0 in non-conference play but had lost some momentum towards the end, falling out of the AP Top 25 rankings in February.
Oklahoma had a slight edge in the 9-8 matchups, with the No. 8 seed holding a 24-20 record over the previous 11 NCAA Tournaments. However, Missouri played a faster-paced game and had a slightly better shooting percentage. The Sooners, on the other hand, were superior in shooting from deep and were better rebounders. Both teams had three double-digit scorers, and one player on each team could shoot 38% or better from beyond the arc. Oklahoma was favoured by two points in this particular matchup, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
In terms of player performances, Oklahoma's Harmon contributed 12.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.04 assists per game, while Brady Manek, a senior forward, added 10.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Umoja Gibson and Elijah Harkless, transfers to the Sooners, made significant contributions with 9.5 and 7.8 points per game, respectively. For Missouri, Xaiver Pinson and Dru Smith led the team in scoring with 14.1 points per game each, while Jeremiah Tilmon averaged 12.3 points and a team-high 7.0 rebounds per game, also leading the team with 32 blocked shots. Pinson and Smith were the top perimeter shooters, with 43 and 41 3-pointers on the season, respectively.
In a more recent game on March 5, 2025, the Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Missouri Tigers 96-84. Oklahoma's freshman guard Jeremiah Fears scored a remarkable 31 points, doubling his per-game season average. Other notable performances for the Sooners included Mohamed Wague, Sam Godwin, and Jalon Moore, who all scored in double figures. For the Tigers, guard Mark Mitchell led the team with 18 points, followed by Caleb Grill and Marques Warrick, who added 16 and 10 points, respectively.
Both the Oklahoma Sooners and the Missouri Tigers have had their moments of glory and disappointment in the NCAA Tournament. Their matchups are often unpredictable and closely fought, making them exciting encounters for fans and followers of college basketball.
Basketball's Olympic Future: Will It Stay or Go?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Oklahoma's players and their statistics
Oklahoma has been one of the better programs in the Big 12 over the last 25 years, having made it to the NCAA Tournament 20 times in 25 chances since 1995 and reaching the Final Four twice in that span. The Sooners have produced several NBA-calibre talents over the years, including No. 1 overall pick Blake Griffin, Buddy Hield, and Trae Young.
In terms of individual player statistics, Oklahoma's Harmon contributes 12.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.04 assists per game. Senior forward Brady Manek adds 10.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Transfers Umoja Gibson and Elijah Harkless have also been impactful, with 9.5 and 7.8 points per game, respectively, with Harkless also grabbing 5.0 rebounds and 1.95 steals per game.
Other notable players on the Oklahoma roster include Jeremiah Fears, who leads the team in multiple statistical categories, including points per game (PPG), free throws made per game (FTM/G), assists per game (APG), and steals per game (SPG). Brycen Goodine contributes to 2.0 three-pointers made per game (3FGM/G) and has a high free-throw percentage (FTM/G). Jake Moser has an impressive true shooting percentage (TS%) of 150.0, while Jalon Moore leads the team in rebounds per game (RPG) with 5.8 and has a solid efficiency field goal percentage (EFG%) of 30.3.
While Oklahoma has a strong basketball programme and several talented players, it's important to note that the statistics mentioned here may not be entirely up to date and could vary depending on the specific season and performance.
Light Badminton Rackets: Advantage or Disadvantage?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Missouri's players and their statistics
Missouri's basketball team, the Tigers, has had some impressive performances in recent years. In the 2020-21 season, the Tigers started out 6-0 in non-conference play and beat TCU 102-98 in the Big 12/SEC Challenge. They were ranked in the AP Top 25 for most of the season and went 16-9 overall, with an 8-8 record in the Southeastern Conference.
Some key players for the Missouri Tigers and their statistics include:
- Xaiver Pinson: Led the team in scoring with 14.1 points per game and was a top perimeter shooter with 43 3-pointers made.
- Dru Smith: Also averaged 14.1 points per game and led the SEC in steals with 2.0 per game. He was another key perimeter shooter with 41 3-pointers.
- Jeremiah Tilmon: Averaged 12.3 points per game and led the team in rebounding with 7.0 per game. He also had a team-high 32 blocked shots.
- Kobe Brown: A 6-7, 240-pound sophomore forward who contributed 8.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
The Missouri Tigers have a well-rounded team with a mix of scoring, rebounding, and defensive talent. Their performance in the 2020-21 season demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level, and they have the potential to continue improving and making a strong impact in future tournaments.
The Doubles Serve: Own the Court
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Oklahoma's history in the NCAA Tournament
The Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team has a rich history in the NCAA Tournament. The team has reached the tournament 33 or 34 times, including 28 times in the last 38 years. They have a combined record of 42 or 43 wins and 33 losses.
Oklahoma has reached the Final Four five times (in 1939, 1947, 1988, 2002, and 2016) but has never won the national championship. They have also made it to the Sweet 16 on 11 occasions and the Elite Eight nine times. The Sooners have been one of the better programs in the Big 12 over the last 25 years, reaching the NCAA Tournament 20 times in that span and producing several NBA-calibre players, including Blake Griffin, Buddy Hield, and Trae Young.
In recent years, Oklahoma has continued its strong showing in the NCAA Tournament. In 2008, David Godbold of the Sooners shot over the defense of Pat Calathes of the Saint Joseph Hawks during the first round of the East Regional. The following year, in 2009, the Sooners reached the final of the South Region, losing to North Carolina 72-60. In 2013, the Sooners lost to San Diego State 70-55 in the second round of the tournament.
Oklahoma's success in the NCAA Tournament can be attributed to strong coaching and talented players. Under the guidance of coach Sampson, who led the team to nine consecutive 20-win seasons, the Sooners reached the postseason in each of his 12 seasons, including 11 NCAA Tournament appearances. Sampson's teams had notable success, reaching the Sweet 16 in 1999, the Final Four in 2002, and the Elite Eight in 2003.
In summary, the Oklahoma Sooners have a long and impressive history in the NCAA Tournament, consistently reaching the tournament and advancing to the later stages on multiple occasions. With a talented roster and dedicated coaches, the team has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
Backboards: Lifetime and Spalding Compatibility
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Missouri's history in the NCAA Tournament
The Missouri Tigers men's basketball team has had a long history in the NCAA Tournament, with the team making the tournament 30 times and holding a combined record of 23-30. However, their appearance in 1994 was vacated by the NCAA, making their official record 20-29.
Prior to 1985, the Tigers competed in the tournament seven times. Since the tournament expanded in 1985, they have made 21 appearances, but their recent record has been less impressive. Their last five appearances have seen them eliminated in the opening round, including a shocking loss to Norfolk State as a No. 2 seed in 2012. They are currently on a six-game losing streak in March Madness, with their most recent victory coming in 2010 when they were a No. 10 seed and defeated Clemson in the first round. Missouri has never advanced past the Elite 8 and hasn't reached the Sweet 16 since 2009.
In 2021, Missouri returned to the NCAA Tournament after a decade-long absence, but they were unable to end their losing streak, falling to Oklahoma in the first round. The Tigers have had more success in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), making eight appearances with a record of 2-8. They also participated in one of the only two National Commissioners Invitational Tournaments, losing their only game.
The Tigers have had some notable achievements and players over the years. In the 2021-2022 season, they started out 6-0 in non-conference play and were ranked in the AP Top 25 for most of the season. Players like Kobe Brown, Xaiver Pinson, and Dru Smith have contributed to the team's success, with Pinson and Smith leading the team in scoring during the 2020-2021 season. Missouri has also produced NBA talents such as Kareem Rush, Keyon Dooling, and Anthony Peeler.
While Missouri has a rich history in the NCAA Tournament, they have struggled in recent years to advance beyond the early rounds. The team will be aiming to break their losing streak and replicate the success of their earlier appearances in the tournament.
The PG4 Shoes: A Good Choice for Basketball?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It's hard to say definitively which team is better, as both have had notable wins and talented players. Oklahoma has been to the NCAA Tournament 20 times since 1995 and has produced NBA-calibre talent like Blake Griffin, Buddy Hield, and Trae Young. Missouri has also had impressive wins and a strong season, with a top-scoring duo in Xaiver Pinson and Dru Smith.
Oklahoma has produced several NBA-calibre players and has a more consistent record of reaching the NCAA Tournament. Missouri, on the other hand, has had strong seasons recently and their players, Pinson and Smith, lead the team in scoring and perimeter shooting.
Oklahoma and Missouri have faced each other multiple times in recent years, with Oklahoma winning 77-66 in 2021 and 96-84 in 2025. In the 2021 matchup, Oklahoma's Austin Reaves led the team with 19 points, while Brady Manek added 17. Missouri's top scorers in that game were Mark Smith with 18, Tilmon with 13, and Torrance Watson with 11.
