Sunday was a huge step forward for Illinois (8-3, 1-1 Big Ten) on multiple fronts. An 80-77 win over Missouri in the team's annual Braggin' Rights game was the headline, but the subtext was infinitely more important. Against the Tigers (10-2, 0-0 SEC), the ...

Illinois (8-3) defended its 2023 Braggin ’ Rights win on Sunday, bringing the trophy to Champaign for back-to-back years for the first time since a five-year win streak from 2013-2017. Missouri (10-2) kept the game close throughout 40 minutes. It was tied with two minutes to go, but Illinois pulled ahead in the final minute, winning 80-77.

After a full week off, Illinois (8-3, 1-1 Big Ten) made the short trek across the Missouri border to St. Louis for its annual clash with Mizzou (10-2, 0-0 SEC). In yet another physical, whistle-heavy matchup – similar to last week’s contest against No.