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Missouri Vs. Illinois, Braggin' Rights: Michael Dixon In, Phil Pressey Out For Tigers

The Missouri Tigers will welcome back Michael Dixon to the lineup on Wednesday night when they play Illinois in St. Louis. Dixon was suspended last week for violating team rules and his return comes at a good time. That's because Phil Pressey will miss the game -- and a few weeks more. The Tigers guard broke his finger and is expected to miss about two weeks.

Mizzou, ranked No. 9 in the latest AP poll, is a 1.5 point underdog against the Illini, who are ranked No. 21, in St. Louis. It's a huge game for both sides. Illinois' track record this year includes a loss (Texas) and a victory (Gonzaga) against teams in the top 25. They're coming off of a loss to Illinois-Chicago so obviously they're looking to get back on track.

Missouri has lost one time this year -- in overtime to Georgetown. Illinois can expect 40 minutes of from everyone on Mizzou's team so they're always a frustrating team to play.

"We've got to be pretty sharp, we have to continue to get efficient offensively, ball movement, people movement," head coach Mike Anderson said. "Our bench is going to be pivotal."

For Mizzou, key players include Marcus Denmon and Ricardo Ratliffe. Dixon will need to be worked back into the lineiup as well. For Illinois, the key name would be DemetriMcCamey.

McCamey entered his name in the 2010 NBA draft before deciding to return for his senior season and is also averaging 7.2 assists and shooting 51 percent from 3-point range. In the Illinois-Chicago loss, he became the sixth player in Big Ten history with at least 1,400 points and 600 assists.

Mizzou is 10-1 on the season so this would be a huge early win for them on a neutral court.

Check out Rock M Nation for more on the game.