Illinois Basketball dominates 2025 Braggin’ Rights game

Illinois basketball needed this one. After a difficult home loss to Nebraska, Illinois got over a week off to practice and hammer down some fundamentals. That showed in a 91-48 drubbing of the Missouri Tigers. The Illini looked locked in, had incredible defensive effort, and played sound basketball. The Missouri Tigers are not very good, but this was the perfect “get-right” game for the Illini.

As always, freshman Keaton Wagler led the way with an incredible 22 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. On top of that, Wagler was 5 of 6 from the 3-point line and had only 1 turnover. Zvonimir Ivisic also had a great game, leading the way with 11 rebounds and 3 emphatic blocks.

After being called out by head coach Brad Underwood, freshman David Mirkovic responded with an efficient 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

The #illini completely dominate the Missouri Tigers in the 2025 Braggin’ Rights game 91-48,

Wagler: 22 pts, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks
Z. Ivisic 8 pts, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks 89
Illinois will get another week off before returning to the court on the 29th to… pic.twitter.com/oLDSDRiOWU

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) December 23, 2025

The Keys to the victory

Missouri shot just 29 percent from the field. The Tigers are really limited with their perimeter shot creation, and the Illini leaned into that. Illinois basketball also outrebounded the Tigers 43-24. To end the game, Keaton Wagler was a +42 for Illinois and continues to show why he’s skyrocketing up NBA Mock Draft boards.

Illinois will return to Champaign on Monday, December 29th, to play Southern as they finish out their 2025 calendar year.

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