Illinois Looks To Rebound After Last Year's Loss To Missouri In Braggin' Rights Game

It's one thing to lose any rivalry game because you have to hear about it until the rematch.

It's another to fall the way the Illinois Fighting Illini did in last year's Braggin' Rights game against Missouri. After being blown out 88-63 a year ago in St. Louis, the Illini get their chance for redemption Friday.

"Obviously, they did a number on us last year," Illini coach Brad Underwood said. "That was not an extremely fun evening heading in the Christmas break but a new team really on both sides."

The Illini have struggled in the series of late, losing four of the last five. They feel they are better prepared after receiving nearly a week off. The game serves as another tune-up before entering Big Ten play. Both teams are coming off appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

"The game was kind of over from the start to finish," Illini guard Terrence Shannon said. "We remember and we plan to make it a different outcome."

The Tigers have three players in double-figures, led by guard Sean East's 17.1 points a game. They're also guard Nick Honor (12.5) and forward Noah Carter (11.7).

"I don't know, they're good," Underwood said of his team struggles against the Tigers the past few years. "I can go into different things. I like the fact this year we're not playing right up to Finals. That's always an issue. We got a little time in between, but that's not an excuse. They've had really good players. It's another game in the non-league schedule. It's a good one that you've got to be prepared for."

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