ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - For the 55th time, Illinois and Missouri will meet up for the schools annual Braggin Rights Game at the Enterprise Center on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 12 p.m.
For Illinois, it has been a so far solid season. while the Fighting Illini are only 7-3, and are coming off a tight loss to Tennessee at home, the Fighting Illini, led by talented guard Kasparas Jakucionis, are still in the top-15 in NCAA NET rankings and 17th in KenPom, making the Fighting Illini to still look like a strong team capable of a deep run in the NCAA Tournment.
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood joined 'The Chris and Amy Show' Friday and is excited for Sunday's matchup against the Tigers.
"This rivalry has withstood 40 plus years, but it's such an interesting rivalry, it's always at the same time right before Christmas," said Underwood. "One of us gets to have a nice Christmas, the other one gets a not so nice Christmas."
"It's a series that has always gone back and forth and it's a unique game. These games are so good for college basketball and creating fan support and interest."
For the Tigers, it certainly appears they won't go winless in SEC conference play this year, with the Tigers currently on a 10-game winning streak following their season opening loss to Memphis. Among their wins includes a enormous one against then No. 1 Kansas at home, to get Mizzou their first win in the Border War since 2012.
The Tigers are looking a lot more dangerous offensively, led by guards Tamar Bates and Anthony Robinson and forward Mark Mitchell.
For Mizzou, they will look to avenge last year's loss to Illinois is which they were blown out 97-73.
Mizzou Head Coach Dennis Gates joined 'The Chris and Amy Show' on Wednesday to discuss the turnaround that has already taken place in Columbia, Missouri.
"I'm definitely excited about the start of our season," said Gates. "We've had eight different players lead our team in scoring this season."
"I'm excited about the direction that we are going. We've identified some young men from a recruiting standpoint....once those kids continue to grow a little bit older, the most important thing at this time of the year is development and we're going to focus on player development and do the small things that allows us to come on top."