Missouri, Illinois extend basketball series through 2017

Missouri and Illinois were able to come to an agreement to extend their Braggin' Rights game through 2017, and the game will continued to be played at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. Those who wanted to see the Border War rivalry game between the Kansas Jayhawks continue can not be too happy that this game was able to continue.

Missouri athletic director Mike Alden calls this game a staple around the holidays:

"The Bud Light Braggin' Rights game has become a holiday tradition for both Mizzou and Illinois fans and this announcement is a shining example of two athletics departments working to keep tradition alive despite the changing landscape of scheduling in college basketball," Alden said.

Tigers head coach Frank Haith played in his first Braggin' Rights game last year and lead Missouri to a 78-74 win over Illinois. He also feels that this is one of the most best non-conference rivalry games in all of college basketball and loves the fans at this neutral site game are split.

This game has been played annually since 1980, with the only exception being 1981. Illinois holds a 20-11 all-time record, but Missouri has won the last three games.

The game will be played on Dec. 22 at 5 p.m. CT on ESPN2.