Kwa Jones Director of Recruiting and Scouting | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Kwa Jones Director of Recruiting and Scouting | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
The McBride Homes Braggin' Rights game between Illinois and Missouri is scheduled for Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. The game will be broadcast on ESPN with Tom Hart and Daymeon Fishback as commentators.
Illinois enters the game with a record of 7-3 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play. They are ranked No. 15 in the NCAA NET rankings as of December 17. Missouri holds a record of 9-2 and is receiving votes in this week's AP top 25 poll.
The Illini aim to secure consecutive victories in the Braggin' Rights series for the first time since winning five straight games against Missouri from 2013 to 2017. Sunday's contest marks Illinois' first game after an eight-day break following their narrow loss to No. 1-ranked Tennessee on December 14.
Illinois has experienced significant roster changes this season, returning only one rotation player from last year. Freshmen have contributed significantly to their scoring efforts, accounting for nearly half of the team's points so far.
Coach Brad Underwood leads Illinois into his eighth season with a career record of 259-118 and an Illinois-specific record of 150-91. Underwood's tenure includes leading the team to multiple Big Ten championships and consistent appearances in national rankings.
Illinois boasts strong statistics this season, ranking among NCAA leaders in several categories such as rebounds per game and field goal percentage defense. Freshman Kasparas Jakucionis has been a standout performer, becoming the first Illini freshman to score over twenty points in five consecutive games.
The historical Braggin' Rights series sees Illinois leading with a record of 27-16 over Missouri when played in St. Louis.
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