Illinois Avenges Last Year's Missouri Defeat Behind Terrence Shannon's 30 Points

The Illinois basketball team entered this year's Braggin' Rights game against Missouri with a chip on their shoulder.

It was evident after their performance Friday night in St. Louis.

Terrence Shannon scored a game-high 30 points and Quincy Guerrier added 28 in the Illini's 97-73 victory. It avenged last year's blowout loss to the Tigers.

“There was a little bit of juice, obviously, because of how bad they beat us last year,” Shannon said.

Coleman Hawkins also had 15 points. Coleman, Guerrier and Shannon had 29 of Illinois' first 31 points.

“I think it’s pretty nice to have 23-year-olds that have been in the weight room for five years and have been through some things,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said.

The Illini had lost four of the last five in the series before Friday night. It should give them so much needed momentum entering Big Ten play. Both Illinois and Missouri made the NCAA Tournament last year. This win should provide a quality victory should they need more weight if they need an at-large bid into the tournament.

SERIES RENEWED

Before the game, it was announced the series would be extending for another six years. The Tigers will now face the through 2029 in St. Louis at the Enterprise Center.

NEXT UP

The Illini play host to Farleigh Dickinson Dec. 29 at State Farm Arena. It is the final nonconference game of the season before beginning Big Ten play.

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Shandel Richardson is the publisher for Illini Now. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com.