ANAHEIM, Calif. – Behind a career-high-tying 25 points by tournament MVP Brian Conklin, the Saint Louis Billikens topped Oklahoma 83-63 Sunday to claim the 76 Classic championship.
The victory improves the Billikens’ record to 6-0 overall, a ledger that includes wins against teams from the Pac-12 (Washington), ACC (Boston College), Big East (Villanova) and Big XII (Oklahoma).
Conklin’s 25 points, which matches his scoring output against Washington earlier in the year, came on 9-of-11 shooting from the floor. He also hit all seven of his free-throw attempts.
Cody Ellis wrapped up a strong tournament with a 16-point effort on 6-of-8 shooting. He was 4-of-5 from 3-point range. Kwamain Mitchell, who was named to the All-Tournament team, scored 10 points.
“We defended our butt off and we blocked out,” SLU head coach Rick Majerus said. “I thought the guys played with good poise and composure. We were good with shot selection. A big goal of ours was to restrict the three. I thought Brian Conklin deserved the tournament MVP, if nothing else for his defense and rebounding. He was a beneficiary of his hard work in the summer.”
The Billikens shot 60.4 percent from the floor, 53 percent from 3-point range and 80 percent from the line.
Saint Louis never trailed against Oklahoma. Consecutive 3-pointers from Ellis and Mitchell stretched the Billiken lead to seven at 35-28. Mitchell nailed another trey, and Jordair Jett hit a free throw as the Billikens led 39-30 at halftime.
Conklin scored two baskets in a row to start the second half to put the Billikens on top by 13. An Ellis trey put SLU up 55-40 with 13:31 left.
The Billikens were in control the rest of the way. A 10-0 run, which was started and capped by 3-pointers by Kyle Cassity, had the Billikens up by 22 late in the game, and SLU cruised to the 20-point victory.
The Billikens remain in Southern California for a matchup against Loyola Marymount Tuesday, Nov. 29. Tip time is scheduled for 9 p.m. (CT).
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