Braggin’ Rights Preview: Mizzou, Illinois Set for Rivalry Clash in St. Louis
The calendar hasn’t flipped to 2026 yet, but the energy around Missouri’s men’s basketball program already feels like March. The Tigers close out their 2025 slate on Monday night with a marquee showdown against Illinois in the annual McBride Homes Braggin’ Rights game.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. in St. Louis, and it’s airing on FS1 - but make no mistake, this one’s much bigger than a non-conference finale.
Mizzou Rolling Into Rivalry Week
Missouri enters the rivalry matchup with momentum and a 10-2 record to show for it. The Tigers have strung together back-to-back wins over Alabama State and Bethune-Cookman, and they’re doing it with an offense that’s humming - averaging 86.8 points per game while holding opponents to just under 70.
At the heart of it all is senior forward Mark Mitchell, who’s been nothing short of sensational. He leads the team with 18.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, and he’s making plays for others too, dishing out 3.0 assists a night.
Mitchell isn’t just stuffing the stat sheet - he’s doing it efficiently and consistently. He’s one of only six players in the country averaging at least 18 points, six boards, and three assists.
That’s elite company.
His recent outing was a testament to his versatility: 19 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and three assists - a line no Tiger had posted since D’Moi Hodge back in 2022. Mitchell’s also been a magnet for contact, ranking among the national leaders in both free throw attempts and makes, and he’s converting at a 59.8% clip from the field - good for 41st in the country.
Supporting Cast Stepping Up
Mitchell may be the centerpiece, but this Mizzou squad is far from a one-man show. Graduate student Jacob Crews is providing serious firepower from deep, hitting at a scorching 52.9% from three - fifth-best in the nation.
He’s made 37 triples already and is averaging just over three per game. Crews has been especially hot lately, drilling at least three threes in eight of the last nine games while shooting 53.3% from beyond the arc during that stretch.
When he gets going, defenses are forced to stretch - and that opens up everything else.
Then there’s Anthony Robinson II, who’s starting to hit his stride on both ends of the floor. The junior guard is averaging 10.8 points and leads the team with 3.7 assists per game.
Over his last two outings, Robinson has turned it up - averaging 17.0 points and 6.0 assists while shooting a blistering 65% from the field. He’s recorded five or more assists in five games this season, including each of the last three.
Robinson’s defense has been just as impactful. He came into the season as a top candidate for SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and he’s living up to the billing. He ranks fourth in the SEC with 2.17 steals per game and recently added a career-high three blocks in a single game - becoming the first Tiger in two decades to post seven assists and three blocks in the same contest.
Illinois Brings Firepower of Its Own
On the other side of the court, Illinois isn’t just a rival - it’s a ranked one. The Illini come in at 8-3 and sit at No. 18 in both national polls. They’ve got offensive weapons all over the floor, averaging 87.8 points per game - even more than Missouri - and allowing 71.5.
Point guard Kylan Boswell leads the way with 16.1 points and 3.6 assists per game, but he’s far from alone. Andrej Stojakovic and Keaton Wagler are both scoring over 15 points per game, giving Illinois three players averaging 15+ on the season. This is a team that can fill it up fast, and they’ve got the depth to keep the pressure on for 40 minutes.
Rivalry Roots Run Deep
This isn’t just another game - it’s a tradition. Missouri and Illinois have met annually since 1983, with the only exception coming during the COVID-altered 2020 season.
All but one of those matchups have taken place in St. Louis, turning the neutral-site showdown into one of college basketball’s most unique and heated rivalries.
Illinois leads the all-time series 35-20, including a 27-16 edge in the Gateway City. The Illini have also taken the last two meetings, including an 80-77 thriller last season. For Missouri, this is a chance to flip the script - and close the year with a statement win.
Mizzou vs. Big Ten: A Recent Boost
Historically, the Big Ten hasn’t been the friendliest conference for Missouri. The Tigers are 59-87 all-time against Big Ten opponents, and 55 of those games have come against Illinois.
But under head coach Dennis Gates, the narrative is shifting. Mizzou is 3-2 versus the Big Ten since Gates took over, including a dominant 83-60 win over Minnesota earlier this season - their largest margin of victory ever against a Big Ten school.
What’s at Stake
Beyond bragging rights, this game carries serious weight for both teams. For Missouri, it’s a chance to cap a strong non-conference slate with a win over a ranked rival, boost their NCAA Tournament résumé, and build even more confidence heading into SEC play. For Illinois, it’s about maintaining momentum and asserting their top-25 standing.
But make no mistake - this game is about more than records and rankings. It’s about pride, tradition, and one of the most fiercely contested rivalries in college basketball.
When the ball tips Monday night in St. Louis, expect fireworks.
This is Braggin’ Rights. And it always delivers.