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.
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).