Illinois Basketball: Top 10 Games Every Illini Fan Wishes to Attend

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Dec 20, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Rayvonte Rice (24) shoots the ball for the game winning three pointer against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Scottrade Center. The Illinois Fighting Illini defeat the Missouri Tigers 62-59. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Rayvonte Rice (24) shoots the ball for the game winning three pointer against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Scottrade Center. The Illinois Fighting Illini defeat the Missouri Tigers 62-59. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

December 20, 2014; Illinois vs. Missouri (Illini Take Down Missouri with Rice Game Winner)

There have been grumblings of change needed in the Illinois basketball program.  This has been an understandable feeling considering they have missed the NCAA Tournament three straight seasons.

But, in the middle of that drought, Illinois actually had some interesting teams.  A few of those teams were led by guard Rayvonte Rice.

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Rice was a high energy player that was a scoring machine.  He could score off the dribble but he could also step back and drain a three-pointer when needed.

This was the case on December 20, 2014, when Illinois went up against rival Missouri.

The game was tied 59-59 with 17 seconds left.  Illinois inbounded the ball and Rice ended up taking a deep three-pointer at the top of the key.

That deep shot ended up going in and the Illini won the game 62-59 to claim the Braggin’ Rights.

This game had to have been one of the best Illinois contests to attend over the years.  It meant so much to this team and they pulled it off in impressive fashion.

Rice finished that game with 19 points with three of them being at the best possible moment.  He now lives in Illini history and I wish I could have attended this game.

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