Missouri Vs. Illinois Final Score: Tigers Hold On For 78-74 Win

Missouri blew a 14 point lead but came from behind in the games final minutes to hold off Illinois 78-74 to remain undefeated on the season. Illinois took a 70-69 lead with just 2:01 remaining in the game after D.J. Richardson sank three free throws after being fouled by Matt Pressey on a three-point attempt. 

Missouri would answer quickly with a Ricardo Ratliffe layup and then a Michael Dixon steal that led to a Kim English three point play for a 74-70 Missouri lead. The Illini would get no closer than three points the rest of the way with Michael Dixon icing the game at the free throw line with just three seconds remaining. 

Phil Pressey led the tigers with 20 points and five assists in the game. Michael Dixon came off the bench to score 18 points and also chipped in four assists. Ricardo Ratliffe finished with 14 points and four rebounds. 

Brandon Paul and Joseph Bertrand each finished with 19 points for Illinois. Bertrand was a perfect 9-9 from the field. Meyers Leonard finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds while D.J. Richardson tossed in 13 points in the loss. Illinois out rebounded the Tigers 32-26 in the game. 

The win improves Missouri's record to 12-0 on the season which is the team's best start in 30 years. 

For more on this game Missouri fans should check out Rock M Nation and Illinois fans should join the conversation at Hail To The Orange. 

Missouri Vs. Illinois Score: Phil Pressey Leads The Tigers To 41-30 Halftime Lead

A 15-0 advantage in fast break points has the undefeated Missouri Tigers in front of Illinois 41-30 at halftime. Illinois jumped out to a 7-2 lead before an 18-2 run had the Tigers on top 20-9 with 13:08 remaining in the half. 

Phil Pressey did most of the damage finishing the first half with 13 points and four assists including a put back dunk at the end of the half. Michael Dixon came off the bench to score 11 points. Marcus Denmon chipped in six in the first half. D.J. Richardson led the way for the Illini with 10 points on 4-6 shooting. 

Missouri finished the first half shooting over 50 percent from the field including 5-10 from down town. The Tigers were also a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line in the first half. The Tigers held Illinois to 43 percent shooting in the first half. 

For more on this game Missouri fans should check out Rock M Nation and Illinois fans should join the conversation at Hail To The Orange. 

Missouri Vs. Illinois: Game Preview, TV Schedule, Radio Schedule

The Missouri Tigers and the Illinois Fighting Illini have faced each other 42 times in the history of the two basketball programs but they have both been ranked in the top 25 when they played each other just six times. Their game on Thursday night will be the seventh.

The No. 9 Tigers are led by two senior guards, Marcus Denmon (19.6 points per game) and Kim English (16 points per game) and are undefeated so far on the season. The No. 25 Fighting Illini are led by junior guard D.J. richardson (14.4 points per game) and sophomore center Meyers Leonard (13.3 points per game) and have only lost one game, to UNLV, this season. This is the second time each team has played an opponent in the top 25.

Game Time/Date: Thursday, December 22; 9 p.m. ET

Location: Scottrade Center, University of Illinois

TV Schedule: 
National: ESPN 2

Radio Schedule:
Missouri: Tiger Network
Illinois: Illini Sports Network

2011 Braggin’ Rights Game: Does Illinois Have A Chance of Beating Missouri?

A stumbling Illinois team will have to slow the quick-paced Tigers and use good interior defense to stop Missouri's second ranked offense.