Illinois vs. Missouri: 3 keys to 2019-20 edition of Braggin’ Rights game

2. Can these short-handed teams stay out of trouble?

Both of these teams will have their own differing challenges when it comes to how to defend without fouling.

For Illinois, the key will be to keep Kofi Cockburn and Giorgi Bezhanishvili out of foul trouble. Even though Mizzou lacks a true low post presence, their guards are quick enough to fly by either big man if they get caught out near the arch. If one or both of these two are in foul trouble at any point in the game, they will have to be careful to not put their team at a major disadvantage.

Mizzou, on the other hand, is the opposite. Although their guards are quick, they will have the tough challenge of facing arguably the best three guard set in the country. Keeping them in front and therefore not allowing them to get to the basket will be the biggest key in the guard-on-guard matchup.

The Tigers big man, Jeremiah Tilmon, may struggle to handle the sheer size of the freshman Cockburn down low. All season long Cockburn has been an intimidating presence to anyone who comes his way and it’s not likely to change this weekend. If Tilmon gets into trouble, it will force Javon Pickett or Mitchell Smith to face Giorgi and Kofi on the floor.

We all know that foul trouble can be a killer when it comes to a team’s chances to win. For me, Mizzou must stay out of foul trouble in order to even have a chance at pulling out the Braggin’ Rights victory. If the Illini struggle with fouls, they are able to switch Giorgi and Kofi at the five spot to lengthen their ability.