Its that time of the year again. The Braggin’ Rights game is back. Will Illinois basketball win for the fourth straight year, or will Missouri get their revenge?
Matchup: Illinois Fighting Illini (8-5, 0-2 Big Ten) at Missouri Tigers (10-2, 0-0 SEC)
Tip-time: Saturday, December 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET
TV Schedule: ESPN2
Arena: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri
The Braggin’ Rights game between Illinois and Missouri is always a close and exciting battle no matter how good either team is. Illinois has won four straight games and owns a 24-12 series lead. This has been a series of streaks, though, as Missouri won the four games prior to this Illini run.
Although this rivalry hasn’t been as hyped up as usual in recent years, this year is a different story. Both teams have new coaches in Cuonzo Martin (Missouri) and Brad Underwood (Illinois) who have solid coaching resumes and are hoping to turn their respective programs around. Not only do both teams have new coaches, but the players that these teams have brought in are major storylines.
While Missouri lost a potential National Player of the Year in Michael Porter Jr., they still have numerous guys who can score, led by seniors Kassius Robertson (14.5 ppg) and Jordan Barnett (14.4 ppg). Michael’s brother Jontay (8.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg), a 6-11 freshman, currently leads the team in rebounding.
Freshman big man Jeremiah Tilmon is another storyline heading into this game. The 6-10, East St. Louis native originally committed to Illinois and signed with John Groce. After Underwood was hired, Tilmon reiterated his commitment to the Illini.
But, after weighing his options, Tilmon decided to de-commit from Illinois and later signed with Missouri. There was much controversy over this, as Tilmon made it clear that he was coming to Illinois still just before his decommitment. Tilmon is averaging 9.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.
The Tigers are currently 10-2 on the season. They are ranked 3rd in the RPI currently and have picked up some nice wins over teams like Iowa State, UCF, Stephen F. Austin, and St. John’s. This should be a tournament team without much doubt.
On the other hand, the Fighting Illini haven’t had as much luck this season. The Illini are currently 8-5 overall, losing some tough games. They have lost their five games by a combined 22 points, including two overtime games. These OT losses both came against Big Ten teams earlier in December.
Despite the disappointing start, Brad Underwood still has the type of team that can turn things around. The Illini brought in some exciting freshman, headlined by 2017 Illinois Mr. Basketball winner Mark Smith (8.6 ppg). Backup point guard Trent Frazier (8.2 ppg), who is also a freshman, has really stepped up of late as well. Sophomores Te’Jon Lucas (6.7 ppg, 3.5 apg) and Kipper Nichols (9.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg) are also some youngsters that are major contributors.
Although still inexperienced, the Illini have a few veterans who hold the top three scoring averages on the team in juniors Leron Black (13.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Michael Finke (11.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg), and Aaron Jordan (12.1 ppg).
Without a doubt, the Tigers have the more impressive resume thus far. But, I think Brad Underwood’s squad comes out fired up and ready to go. I believe the Illini will win a close one and get the quality win they desperately need.
Prediction: Illinois 83, Missouri 79