### Oklahoma's Jeremiah Fears Shines in Upset Victory Over No. 15 Missouri On March 6, 2025, Jeremiah Fears delivered a standout performance, scoring a career-high 31 points, leading the Oklahoma Sooners to a significant 96-84 upset against the No. 15 ranked Missouri Tigers. This victory not only marked Oklahoma's fifth win over a Top 25 team this season but also played a crucial role in bolstering their NCAA tournament hopes, snapping a recent losing streak against SEC opponents. Fears' impressive stats included a perfect 12 of 12 from the free-throw line and five assists, showcasing his all-around contribution to the game [https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/jeremiah-fears-pours-31-oklahoma-upends-no-15-mizzou-2025-03-06, https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/men-s-basketball/ou-basketball-oklahoma-beats-missouri-to-salvage-ncaa-tournament-hopes-01jnm2cvb96f]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Impact and Context 1. **Jeremiah Fears' Performance**: - Scored 31 points, a career-high. - Achieved 100% success from the free-throw line (12/12). - Contributed five assists, demonstrating playmaking ability. 2. **Team Performance**: - Oklahoma's victory improved their season record to 18-12 and 5-12 in the Southeastern Conference. - This win was pivotal for their NCAA tournament aspirations, as they needed to enhance their resume [https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/oklahoma-sooners/2025/03/05/oklahoma-gets-much-needed-win-vs-no-15-missouri-behind-jeremiah-fears-career-high]. 3. **Missouri's Reaction**: - Missouri head coach Dennis Gates acknowledged Oklahoma's strong case for the NCAA tournament following the game, highlighting the significance of the upset [https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-basketball/oklahoma-basketball-news-missouri-hc-dennis-gates-sooners-ncaa-tournament-case]. 4. **Historical Context**: - The game drew comparisons to past Oklahoma stars, with Fears' performance reminiscent of Trae Young's impactful games, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top freshmen in the SEC [https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-basketball/oklahoma-basketball-news-jeremiah-fears-masterpiece-missouri-sooners-fans-trae-young-flashbacks]. ### Key Statistics and Data Supporting the Victory - **Final Score**: Oklahoma 96, Missouri 84 - **Oklahoma's Record**: 18 wins, 12 losses overall; 5 wins, 12 losses in SEC play. - **Top Performers**: - Jeremiah Fears: 31 points, 12/12 free throws, 5 assists. - **Significance**: This victory was Oklahoma's fifth against a Top 25 team this season, with Missouri being the highest-ranked opponent they defeated [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/fears-scores-career-high-31-033942535.html, https://sports.yahoo.com/article/oklahoma-sooners-keep-ncaa-tournament-035932721.html]. ### Conclusion: Oklahoma's Path Forward **Oklahoma's victory over Missouri is a turning point for their season**. The standout performance by Jeremiah Fears not only highlights his potential as a future star but also revitalizes the Sooners' NCAA tournament hopes. 1. **Fears' Impact**: His career-high performance is a testament to his growth and importance to the team. 2. **Team Momentum**: This win could serve as a catalyst for further success as they approach the end of the season. 3. **NCAA Tournament Outlook**: With this victory, Oklahoma strengthens its case for inclusion in the NCAA tournament, as noted by Missouri's head coach [https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-basketball/oklahoma-basketball-news-missouri-hc-dennis-gates-sooners-ncaa-tournament-case]. In summary, the Sooners' triumph over a ranked opponent not only boosts their confidence but also sets the stage for a potentially successful conclusion to the season.