Illinois vs. Missouri: 3 keys to 2019-20 edition of Braggin’ Rights game
By Jack Bennett
1. Rebounding will decide the game
It’s long been known that if a team can rebound efficiently then the probability of them winning increases substantially. This game is no different.
Illinois has a monster on the glass in the form of Kofi Cockburn who is averaging 10.5 of them a game. That is over double the amount of Mizzou’s leading rebounder in Mark Smith. Just a look at this stat would make the average fan give an edge to the Illini just because of the importance of rebounds.
This doesn’t even include the 5.9 rpg from guard Andres Feliz and the 5.7 rpg from Giorgi Bezhanishvili. Behind these three, the Illini have climbed to the 14th best rebounding team in the nation.
Although the Tigers have big man Jeremiah Tilmon down low, they seem to be at a disadvantage in this area of the game. The amount of offensive rebounds produced from either team could decide which state goes home with the trophy in this years matchup.
Next. Big Ten power rankings. dark
It will be interesting to see what team’s player’s step up to the occasion and allow for their rebounds to help them pull out the victory. This years edition of Braggin’ Rights may be dependant on who can control the glass.