Brad Sturdy, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

December 22, 2022

#16 ILLINOIS (8-3) Basketball Game Notes

versus Missouri (10-1) | McBride Homes Braggin’ Rights

Dec. 22, 2022 | 8 p.m. CT | SEC Network | St. Louis, Mo. | Enterprise Center

Line - Illinois -6.5 O/U - 153.5

The 42nd edition of McBride Homes Braggin’ Rights between Illinois and Missouri is set for Thursday night in St. Louis (8 p.m. CT, SEC Network). The game is sold out at Enterprise Center for the first time since 2017. Illinois is No. 16 in the current AP poll, its highest ranking entering Braggin’ Rights in St. Louis in 10 years (No. 10, 2012). The Illini were No. 6 in the game two years ago held at Columbia, Mo. The Illini (8-3) and Tigers (10-1) are a combined 18-4, the best Braggin’ Rights record heading into the game in St. Louis since 2013 when the programs were a combined 19-2. The two rivals have met annually since 1983 with all but the 2020 meeting during the COVID season in St. Louis. Overall, the Illini own a 33-19 all-time edge in the series, including a 25-15 advantage in St. Louis. Illinois earned an 88-63 win last season, ending a three-game winning streak for Mizzou.

Illinois returns just seven of 88 points from last year’s Braggin’ Rights win (Coleman Hawkins-5, RJ Melendez-2). Illinois has an 8-1 non-conference record with two games remaining. Illinois is aiming to finish the nonconference with just one loss for the first time in 10 years, since going 13-1 prior to Big Ten play in 2012-13. Illinois is the only team in the country with two kenpom top-10 wins (No. 4 UCLA and No. 6 Texas).

Illinois is a balanced offensive team, with seven different players averaging at least eight points. Illinois has seven newcomers among its current 9-man playing rotation. The Illinois rotation features six underclassmen: four true freshmen and two sophomores. Illinois ranks No. 301 in experience according to kenpom, ahead of only three power-5 teams (Washington State, Oregon State, Louisville).

Stats

Illinois is sixth in the country in blocked shots, averaging 6.0 bpg. The Illini tallied 12 rejections in the win over No. 2 Texas, its most blocks in a game in 11 years. Illinois reserves are combining to score 25.0 points per game. The Illini bench has outscored its opponent in nine of 11 games, and by an average of 9.7 points. •Illinois ranks 27th in the NCAA in field goal percentage defense, allowing 38.4% shooting. The Illini are No. 9 nationally in 2-point defense, permitting just 41.9% inside the arc. The Illini defense is forcing 16.7 turnovers per game, ranking second in the B1G and 40th in the NCAA. Illinois is scoring an average of 18.4 points off opponent turnovers. Illinois has outrebounded 9 of 11 opponents and is No. 33 in the NCAA with a 7.2 average rebound margin. Illinois is making 9.4 three-pointers per game, ranking second in the Big Ten and 39th nationally. Last season the Illini set a school single-season record, averaging 8.9 made threes.

Missouri has won it's last 4 meeting when playing a ranked Illinois team.....Missouri ranks first in the nation with 12.7 steals per 12.7 game.....MU has topped 50 percent shooting in six games and ranks sixth in the country with an effective field goal mark of 58.3....The Tigers are one of just 15 schools nationally to feature five players scoring in double figures....MU, which ranks 18th in the country with 10.0 triples per game, made 52.0 percent beyond the arc versus UCF – it's highest mark in three years......With a win Thursday, Mizzou would have won 11 of its first 12 games for just the sixth time in the last 40 years.

Five Tigers are currently scoring in double figures with graduate student D'Moi Hodge leading the way with 16.4 points per game. Seniors Kobe Brown and Noah Carter are right behind with 12.9 and 11.6 points, while also leading Mizzou with 5.7 and 5.0 boards. Graduate student Nick Honor adds 11.1 points to go with a team-best 3.4 assists. Mizzou ranks fourth nationally with 88.4 points per game, while allowing 75.0 on defense. Through 11 games, eight different Tigers have scored in double figures already this year with six different players leading the team in scoring. Additionally, MU has had six players eclipse 20 points in a game this year, while seven different players have recorded at least five assists.

Keys to the Game -

1. Turnovers - Both of these teams force a ton of turnovers, ranking 4th and 34th in turnovers forced. The team that takes care of the ball and gets shots will win this one.

2. 3 Point Shooting - Missouri allows teams to shoot almost 38% from 3, largely due to their gambling style leaving open shooters. Illinois has struggled in certain games to make those open looks. They will need to on Thursday.

3. Attack the Offensive Glass - Missouri is undersized and doesn't rebound well against what has been a very soft schedule. There are second chance points to be had, but they have to balance that with transition defense.

4. Handle the Moment - The Illini Freshmen have never been in a game like this, although with no band, no cheerleaders and numerous fans bugging out due to the weather it may not be as wild. They will still need to keep composure and not get rattled.

Prediction

Missouri has played 1 top 50 team, and they got beat by 28. They have played a soft schedule and if Illinois comes out with energy and effort, they shiuld handle the Tigers, 82-74.

BRAGGIN' RIGHTS BREAKDOWN

Braggin' Rights Record: Illinois leads 26-15
Record in St. Louis: Illinois leads 26-14
Current Streak: Illinois W-1
Illinois when ranked: 13-7
Missouri when ranked: 6-10
When both teams are ranked: Illinois leads 6-3
When neither team is ranked: Illinois leads 9-5
In overtime games: Tied 2-2
At Enterprise Center (1994-Present): Illinois leads 17-10
At The Arena (1980-93): Illinois led 9-4
Illinois' longest winning streak: 9 (2000-08)
Missouri's longest winning streak: 4, twice (1991-94 & 2009-12)
Illinois' largest winning margin: 32 points (2005)
Missouri's largest winning margin: 18 points (1994)
Closest margin: 1 point, five times (1992, 1993, 2003, 2007 and 2013)
Illinois Scoring Record: 36, Ayo Dosunmu (2020)
Missouri Scoring Record: 30, Doug Smith (1990)
Illinois Rebounding Record: 14, Kofi Cockburn (2021)
Missouri Rebounding Record: 15, Doug Smith (1990)
Attendance Record: 22,484 (1999)

BRAGGIN' RIGHTS ALL-TIME RESULTS