For Mizzou, Braggin’ Rights vs. Illinois a chance for rivalry and resume-boosting win
During Missouri Tigers forward Jeremiah Tilmon’s freshman year, he heard the boos at the annual Braggin’ Rights Game. The 6-foot-10 forward from East St. Louis — a former Illinois commit before flipping to Mizzou — expected that level of animosity.
But it wasn’t until last year in Tilmon’s sophomore season did he feel another level. Not for him, but for enemy-turned-teammate Mark Smith. The Mizzou guard played at Illinois as a freshman until he transferred to Mizzou as a sophomore.
That didn’t fly for the Illinois fans.
As Tilmon put it, Illinois hated Smith more than they hated him. But Smith arrived on top as Mizzou defeated the Illini 79-63 last season.
“It was just a great feeling,” Smith said of last year. “I’ll always remember that feeling. Just coming out here, hearing all the boos. So it was actually a great feeling, I’ll always remember that.”
For the Tigers, their roster is filled with players with Illinois ties. Guard Javon Pickett was a former Illinois commit until he flipped to Mizzou, just like Tilmon. Mizzou coach Cuonzo Martin is from East St. Louis, so he knows the game well. Others like guard Torrence Watson are from the St. Louis area and grew up watching the game.
Mizzou snapped what was a five-game Illinois winning streak in Braggin’ Rights last year. Tilmon and Pickett starred, each scoring 16 points.
“Last year, we came in with our heads up straight,” Tilmon said. “We came in knowing we were gonna win. We had our mind on winning, we weren’t second-guessing and stuff like that.”
As the Tigers battle Illinois at noon Saturday in the Enterprise Center, Martin didn’t downplay the significance of the rivalry game.
“This is a big deal, so you want to make it a big deal,” Martin said. “They should be excited. Not many college players get opportunities to play in venues and games of this magnitude over a four-year career. To be able to do it every year is an exciting thing.”
The key matchup will be Tilmon facing 7-foot Illinois forward Kofi Cockburn. Martin pointed out how it’s one of the few times Tilmon competes against a big man the opponent runs their offense through — just like Mizzou does with Tilmon.
The showdown likely comes down to Tilmon’s foul troubles against a physical opponent. If Tilmon can stay on the floor, he has a chance to repeat his stellar performance from last year’s Braggin’ Rights.
“A dogfight, that’s how I look at it,” Tilmon said of the matchup. “Hopefully the refs let us play, not calling no ticky-tack (fouls). There’s going to be two grown men down there. It’s just like, ‘Let’s play.’”
While Mizzou prepares for the game, Martin also said they focus on the long-term, bigger picture. The Tigers (6-4) have won two straight. But for a team eyeing the NCAA Tournament, a win over Illinois would be crucial for its resume. While the victory at Temple boosts Mizzou, after losses to Charleston Southern and other power conference teams, any solid victory will be worthwhile.
The conference schedule is also just around the corner: The Tigers face Kentucky on Jan. 4 to open SEC play. For resume and momentum purposes, the Tigers stressed it’ll be close to a must-win game Saturday.
“This is a game that we need,” Pickett said. “We’re on a two-game win streak. Our SEC play is coming up soon, so the next two games are going to be crucial to make sure that we’re on a run, that we’re hot.”