Missouri had dug themselves into a 24-point hole against before the end of the first period against No. 13 Illinois as the Illini crushed the Tigers, 97-73 to win the 2023 Braggin’ Rights Game.  

The game once again showed the struggles that have plagued the Tigers (7-5) in 2023. The Tigers shot 39.4% from the field, 56.3% on free-throws and a horrific 22.2% from three.

Missouri missed 16 of its 17 attempts from 3 in the first half. That’s a 5.9% clip. 

The lone make: the Tigers’ 60.7% 3-point shooter, Sean East II.

Carter, a 30% shooter from 3 this season, had missed four; meanwhile, Trent Pierce, 23.1% this season, had missed three; Vanover, 20%, had missed two; Jordan Butler, 22.2%, had missed two; and Curt Lewis, 23.1%, missed one.

Illinois, on the other hand, utilized their dynamic trio of Terrence Shannon Jr., Quincy Guirrie and Coleman Hawkins, who combined for 73 points. Meanwhile, Illinois’ physical defense put together an elite performance, notching 51 rebounds compared to just 35 for Missouri. 

For Mizzou, it’ll be a night they would like to forget. For Illinois, it’s a night they’ll always remember.