Report: Illinois Basketball vs Mizzou “Braggin’ Rights” Date Announced

Report: Illinois Basketball vs Mizzou “Braggin’ Rights” Date Announced

According to CBS Sports college basketball analyst Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein), Illinois Basketball is set to face Missouri for Braggin’ Rights on December 22nd. Rothstein’s post from X on Wednesday (6/18) states “Sources: Next season’s game between Illinois and Missouri will be on Sunday, December 22nd at Enterprise Center in St. Louis.” 

However, it appears Brad Sturdy (@Sturdy32) of Illini Guys broke the news to Illinois fans on Tuesday (6/17). Sturdy stated in a post on X that the December 22nd date was confirmed at an ICON event previously—certainly, a great indication there is an agreed date in place between Illinois and Tigers.

Sources: Next season’s game between Illinois and Missouri will be on Sunday, December 22nd at Enterprise Center in St. Louis.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 19, 2024

Illinois Basketball wants the Smoke.

© Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

With Mizzou, Tennessee, Duke, Alabama, and potentially Arkansas already scratched in, it appears Brad Underwood is ready to put his talented roster to the challenge. The game will serve as a much-needed test, with so many new, yet highly skilled faces joining the Illini. Coach Underwood has done a remarkable job scheduling strong non-conference opponents so that his team’s resume is always strong come Selection Sunday.

Certainly, Missouri faced a tough season in 2023. In his second season, Dennis Gates and his Tigers faced an 8-24 overall record, going 0-18 in SEC play. Will they make a bounce back in 2024, with a better shot at Braggin’ Rights? After adding former McDonalds All-American Mark Mitchell from Duke, and Tony Perkins from Iowa, among others, Tigers fans would certainly hope so.

Looking Back

On December 22nd, 2023, Illinois Basketball took down the Tigers 97-73 at the Enterprise Center. Undoubtedly, one of Terrance Shannon Jr’s more impressive individual performances of his career with the Illini. Shannon went off for 30 points and 11 rebounds on the evening, going 9 for 14 from the field. Additionally, Quincy Guerrier followed closely behind, with 28 points, and 8 rebounds vs Mizzou. The Oregon and Syracuse transfer was hot from deep, draining 5 of 8 shots from downtown.