Pregame: Illinois vs Missouri, Saturday, December 23rd, 7:00pm CT, ESPN2

[Deleted member 652352]

In this game, there always seems to be a player who, while quiet all season or relatively quiet their entire career, seems to break out.

My guess tomorrow night is Mark Smith. I think he sees a couple shots go down early, forces a few turnovers in the backcourt, and puts down a big momentum shifting dunk.

 

[Fighter of the Nightman]

We absolutely dominate this series historically, have been a MUCH more accomplished program all-time and have won four straight vs. MU ... yet their fans are insanely confident. Not sure there is another fan base that does unwarranted arrogance like Mizzou, LOL.

 

[MakesNoSense]

We absolutely dominate this series historically, have been a MUCH more accomplished program all-time and have won four straight vs. MU ... yet their fans are insanely confident. Not sure there is another fan base that does unwarranted arrogance like Mizzou, LOL.

Not counting this one?

 

[Fighter of the Nightman]

Not counting this one?

Oh, please. Half our fan base seems to LEGITIMATELY enjoy acting miserable; we aren't overrun with homers by any stretch.

And ya know what? We've earned the right to be arrogant about this game and still aren't.

 

[TCTORNADO]

Illinois +6

 

[BWilson25]

:thumb:

Oh, please. Half our fan base seems to LEGITIMATELY enjoy acting miserable; we aren't overrun with homers by any stretch.

And ya know what? We've earned the right to be arrogant about this game and still aren't.

 

[MakesNoSense]

Oh, please. Half our fan base seems to LEGITIMATELY enjoy acting miserable; we aren't overrun with homers by any stretch.

And ya know what? We've earned the right to be arrogant about this game and still aren't.

That seems to be an arrogant statement what have we earned exactly?

 

[Calvin]

Mizzou only favored by 5.

 

[Sal Iacuzzo]

That seems to be an arrogant statement what have we earned exactly?

Beat Mizzou consistently

 

[BigRedOne]

We absolutely dominate this series historically, have been a MUCH more accomplished program all-time and have won four straight vs. MU ... yet their fans are insanely confident. Not sure there is another fan base that does unwarranted arrogance like Mizzou, LOL.

None of that matters on Saturday. Just like Mizzou's superior football history won't help them in 2028

 

[skyIdub]

Dear MIZNOZ,

Please bring back the baby poop colored jerseys.


Sincerely,

Illini Nation

 

[TCTORNADO]

Mizzou only favored by 5.

The Vegas line has moved from 6 to 4.5 to 4 all within the last 3 hrs.

 

[pruman91]

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/coll...cle_ef164573-e8ef-5b44-8516-1f4c3810ad8f.html

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/colu...cle_ebb8855a-998a-593a-ac0b-5003cd508e3b.html

 

[Deleted member 631370]

Mizzou only favored by 5.

Actually a bit surprised by that line.....I figure with our string of close losses and Mizzou's much better record, they'd be getting more than 5. But I guess Vegas sees us as a team that plays opponents close regardless.

I'm going with Mizzou by 7.

 

[Calvin]

Actually a bit surprised by that line.....I figure with our string of close losses and Mizzou's much better record, they'd be getting more than 5. But I guess Vegas sees us as a team that plays opponents close regardless.

I'm going with Mizzou by 7.

Same, I'd put it a couple points higher, probably even 8. I don't think we match up well with them, and it will take much better execution than we've had to get a W. BUT, it's a rivalry game, and Missouri isn't a world beater by any stretch.

I'm pretty disappointed with our record, and that we can't even beat a mediocre team. Maybe I'm just a little jaded and we have a better chance than I realize.

Gonna watch this one intensely. Will be visiting family, and have this on. To me this is a great yardstick game, either way.

 

[Kathy]

Same, I'd put it a couple points higher, probably even 8. I don't think we match up well with them, and it will take much better execution than we've had to get a W. BUT, it's a rivalry game, and Missouri isn't a world beater by any stretch.

I'm pretty disappointed with our record, and that we can't even beat a mediocre team. Maybe I'm just a little jaded and we have a better chance than I realize.

Gonna watch this one intensely. Will be visiting family, and have this on. To me this is a great yardstick game, either way.

I disagree. I think our pressing defense, man to man, will frustrate them to pieces. Tilmon sitting most the first half with 2 fouls.

 

[SampsonRelpenk]

To me, this will always be the BUSCH Braggin' Rights game!

 

[Illini B-Ball Fan]

I disagree. I think our pressing defense, man to man, will frustrate them to pieces. Tilmon sitting most the first half with 2 fouls.

And if MO is playing man to man against us, you can bet our guards will be driving the lane to try and bait the Til guy.

 

[JFGsCoffeeMug]

Mizzou's guards aren't good at handling defensive pressure. They turn the ball over a lot, and we force a lot of turnovers. That could swing the game in our favor.

 

[FeelYourPaign]

Mizzou's guards aren't good at handling defensive pressure. They turn the ball over a lot, and we force a lot of turnovers. That could swing the game in our favor.

Not arguing with you at all. I'm just observing that there are so many metrics for which the Illini are either one of the best or one of the worst in college basketball that predicting this game is almost whatever you want it to be. Classic must watch TV.

 

[JFGsCoffeeMug]

For sure. Out team is consistently inconsistent. Some of that is a new coach. Some of that is new players. Some of that is lack of on-court leadership. There's potentially a lot of blame to go around. Game should be very entertaining for stretches though. Both teams will be amped up.

 

[doowink]

Mizzou's guards aren't good at handling defensive pressure. They turn the ball over a lot, and we force a lot of turnovers. That could swing the game in our favor.

yea I think we'll force several turnovers...converting them into pts will be the key

 

[NScale]

Anyone know the place to be in St. Louis prior to the game

Tin Roof, 10th and Clark.

 

[NScale]

To me, this will always be the BUSCH Braggin' Rights game!

And we play in Assembly Hall!

 

[FC Illiniman]

This should be a game to see how guys feed off crowd. Convert TO to layups, and make sure they count. Fouls please keep under control, we get into foul trouble, it will be a big problem. Love to see Black and Finke go off on Mizznoz tonight.
We stay within ourselves, get good game rythmn we could run them over. This game shows us who we are right now. Love to see 90 points, and hold them in 70's. Bring it home guys.