Braggin Rights Game Preview: Missouri Tigers Vs Illinois Fighting Illini

Rayvonte Rice, Illinois

Nov 29, 2013; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Rayvonte Rice (24) brings the ball down court during the first half against the IPFW Mastodons at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports

John Groce is still rebuilding the Illini back to national prominence but he is relying on the Champaign native Rayvonte Rice to lead this team. The Drake transfer is lighting it up for the Illini averaging 17.7 points a game. He is clearly the best player Illinois has for this season so if Illinois wants to end the streak, Rice will need to have a great game.

Prediction:

This is a tough one for me to pick. Illinois is a good team but Mizzou is a great team. However, the Mizzou basketball resurgence began with a big win in 2009. If Illinois wants to show recruits that it belongs on the national stage, it needs to win this game. I don’t think Illinois has the depth to win this game but anything can happen. For now, I pick Mizzou to win a close game.

Mizzou wins 78-73

Follow Chris Flanagan On Twitter! and Follow Arch Authority On Twitter!

Contact Chris Flanagan at archauthoritytoday@gmail.com