Illinois basketball suffers 22-point road block in 42nd annual Braggin’ Rights game

The Illinois basketball team fell flat-footed with a 22-point loss to Missouri in the Braggin’ Rights game.

Just five days ago, it looked as if the Illini had gotten back on track. After dropping its first two Big Ten games, Illinois controlled the tempo of its nonconference schedule, which included wins against UCLA, Texas, and Alabama A&M, to name a few.

Thursday night looked to be a repeat of 2021’s 88-63 thumping against Missouri, but it was anything but that. A 22-point loss, which included a 15-point Tigers scoring spree midway through the first half, closed the deal on any holiday cheer or pre-Christmas celebration, as the Illini fumbled the Braggin’ Rights trophy, 93-71.

Outside of a 12-10 edge for the Orange and Blue early in the game, the Tigers dominated all aspects on both ends of the floor. This was coupled with the performances of D’Moi Hodge and Kobe Brown, who combined for 51 points.

The Tigers’ defense forced 16 turnovers, and their offense shot 50% from three-point range, as they nearly tripled their counterparts entering the halftime break.

The second half didn’t fare much better for the Illini, failing to get to the 24-point deficit range to have any hope of an iconic comeback.  Terrance Shannon Jr. had another good outing offensively, finishing with 22 points and seven rebounds. Matthew Mayer and Jayden Epps had 16 and 12 points respectively, while Dain Dainja added nine points.

Illinois basketball will have to climb back into the AP Poll.

It’s no secret that Illinois has been the class of the Big Ten for the last few years, but an 8-4 start is cause for concern in Champaign.

Currently ranked No. 16 in the week seven edition of the AP Poll, the Illini will have to search for answers in all areas if they want to regain the form from the 2020-2021 and 2021-22 seasons that made them elite.

Whether it’s coaching, chemistry, or a lack of leadership, the Big Ten is shaping up to be one of the nation’s toughest conferences. For the Illini to have success, they will have to steer the ship forward in 2023.

For now, though, a week-long break ensues before Illinois welcomes Bethune-Cookman to the State Farm Center on December 29. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. CT on FS1.