Mizzou fails to overcome first-half deficit to lose to Illinois in Braggin’ Rights game

Mizzou drops the annual Braggin’ Rights game against Illinois for the 5th straight year losing 70-64.

The loss ends the four-game winning streak for the Tigers. Mizzou falls to 10-3 (0-0 SEC) on the season.

Kassius Robertson and Jordan Barnett led the Tigers combining for 41 points. Meanwhile, Leron Black led the Illini with 20 points.

Jeremiah Tilmon finished with seven points and seven rebounds in his first game against Illinois since previously decommitting from Illinois before choosing Mizzou.

Overall, the Tigers shot 39 percent from the field and 19 percent from three.

Tilmon fittingly had the first basket of the game to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead in the opening minute. However, Illinois went on a 10-0 run to take a comfortable lead early in the first quarter.

Mizzou continued to struggle in the first half shooting just 33 percent from the field and 20 percent from three. Meanwhile, Illinois shot 50 percent from the field and 46 percent from three.

Barnett was the lone bright spot in the first half finishing with 14 of Mizzou’s 22 first-half points. He also had seven of Mizzou 20 first-half rebounds.

Out of the second half, Mizzou battled back on a 13-4 run. The Tigers closed the gap to as little as four. The Tigers outscored Illinois 42-28 in the second half, but could not finish the comeback in the final minutes.

Mizzou begins SEC play next against South Carolina on the road Jan. 3 at 8 p.m.