A holiday-filled week started early for Illinois (8-3) as they defeated Missouri (10-2) in the 2024 edition of Braggin’ Rights. Illinois won 80-77 in a competitive neutral site matchup between two teams fighting to earn their spot in the rankings. Plenty happened in the rivalry game, and it was exciting from the jump.
Early runs
It wasn’t a smooth start for either team on Sunday. The first half especially was characterized by scoring runs for both squads, keeping each fanbase in the game. The first was an 11-2 run from the Illini to take a 13-8 advantage. Freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis was key during the stretch, hitting two difficult three-pointers and bringing the ball up the court with speed.
As the Illinois faithful who made the trip rose to their feet, Missouri responded. The lead had stretched to 18-12 before Missouri flipped a switch on both ends. A 16-6 run with nine unanswered points ended with the Illini only having a four-point lead. It was a much different run than the Illini experienced, with Missouri getting everything in the paint or free-throw line.
While Missouri hyped up their crowd running back on defense, Illinois did not cower. Another first-year player fueled this run, and freshman forward, Morez Johnson Jr. went to work. Whether it was hitting the glass, playing physical defense or doing the scoring, Johnson played a big part throughout Illinois’ 13-4 run to end the half. It led 37-32 at the break.
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Humrichous and Riley’s woes continue
A positive for Illinois has been its depth this season. It has fueled its 8-3 start to 2024-25, but two forwards have been struggling nonetheless. While there isn’t much to complain about through 11 games, unlocking graduate student forward Ben Humrichous and freshman forward Will Riley will benefit Illinois immensely.
Humrichous, an Evansville transfer, hasn’t seen competition like this before. It might explain his rough patch, but Illinois needs him to be better. Despite head coach Brad Underwood’s continuous praise, Humrichous has not been good on the defensive end.
Missouri came out targeting him, and nine of its first 12 points came using this strategy. He did have a few good possessions, but Missouri’s relentless attack on Humrichous was not a coincidence.
Neither he nor Riley have been reliable from long range recently either, which is their strong suit. Humrichous is 4-21 in his last four contests and has only shot above 25% from deep two times in the last seven.
The uptick in competition hasn’t treated Riley well, either. The Canadian native hadn’t made a three in his last three games entering Sunday. He did knock one down against Missouri, but after Braggin’ Rights, he’s shot just 2-23 in the last five games.
Familiar face does damage
No matter who graduate student guard Tony Perkins plays his basketball for, he always seems to be dressed in yellow when he lines up against the Illini. After four years at Iowa, where some of his best games were played against Underwood’s teams, Perkins was at it again on Sunday.
The transfer finished the first half with six points and three steals. His grit oozed with a Big Ten style of play and really helped Missouri keep it close. He punctuated his performance in the opening 20 minutes with a rim-rocking dunk during a 9-0 run. Perkins finished with 18 points and six rebounds in the loss.
Drama to start the second
Tensions were high in the first half, and Missouri senior guard Tamar Bates was reviewed for a flagrant, but nothing came of it. Emotions overflowed when the teams came out of the locker rooms, however, and the officials were forced to clean up the mess. Just three minutes into the second half, straight chaos broke loose.
After a messy scrum that somewhat looked like a game of hot potato between the two teams, Missouri lost its cool. Head coach Dennis Gates, a normally calm individual, exploded onto the court in the middle of the game.
As he screamed at the baseline official, his freshman center, Peyton Marshall, decided he was done with the play and threw Illinois’ Johnson to the ground. The Illinois crowd was enraged, sparking an intense final 17 minutes. From then on, both benches were quick to their feet to make baskets, and everyone in the arena seemed to have a little more passion.
Unfortunately for the Illini, Gates’ outburst was rewarded by the officials. The whistles tightened up, and not much contact was allowed for either team as play resumed. It only added to the inconsistent day for the referees, which had both teams visibly frustrated.
Playing to strengths
Illinois loves the three-point ball. It is fifth in the NCAA for attempts per game and took 26 on Sunday. Illinois wasn’t efficient, but it outscored Missouri by 15 from deep and controlled the game from beyond the arc.
While they were outscored from three, the Tigers got their point advantage from the free-throw line. They are second in the nation in free throw attempts and free throw makes per game. The Tigers already had an advantage early in the game, but it grew after Gates’ complaint.
Multiple Illini fouled out despite begging the officials to let them play. The Tigers shot 37 free throws and made 28 in a slop fest with plenty of stoppages.
Final notes
Jakucionis was the lead scorer for the Illini for the sixth straight game. He finished with 21 points and had the best shot of the game. Missouri clawed back in the final minutes, but the Lithuanian nailed a three with two minutes remaining and then a turnaround jumper with 28 seconds left, turning the tide in Illinois’ favor. He continues to be the go-to guy for Illinois and shows why he was so highly touted entering the season.
Johnson was equally as valuable off the bench for his defensive work. When sophomore center Tomislav Ivisic entered foul trouble, Johnson finished with six points and eight boards, five of which were offensive. He gave Illinois plenty of second-chance points and a very physical presence in the paint. He fouled out in the final minutes, but his impact cannot be overstated.
In the end, Jakucinois’ shot-making was too much, and Illinois prevailed. An intense rivalry matchup ended with the narrowest margin since 2020, and Illinois heads into its final non-conference game before Big Ten play with Braggin’ Rights over Missouri.
@benfader7
