How will the Illini handle their desperation to win one before the seniors depart, and will experience be an advantage? And what, if any, impact will the Tigers' lack of familiarity have on their performance?

Mizzou coach Frank Haith couldn't help but inject his thoughts this week when first-year Tigers Keion Bell and Earnest Ross were asked if they understood what they would experience.

"You ask them, but I'd never seen that," said Haith, who coached his only Braggin' Rights game last season. "So a neutral court game with that kind of atmosphere, surely they wouldn't have ever seen that either."

Durando