Sunday was a huge step forward for Illinois (8-3, 1-1 Big Ten) on multiple fronts. An 80-77 win over Missouri in the team's annual Braggin' Rights game was the headline, but the subtext was infinitely more important.

Illinois (8-3) defended its 2023 Braggin ’ Rights win on Sunday, bringing the trophy to Champaign for back-to-back years for the first time since a five-year win streak from 2013-2017. Missouri (10-2) kept the game close throughout 40 minutes. It was tied with two minutes to go, but Illinois pulled ahead in the final minute, winning 80-77.

Missouri basketball lost to Illinois 80-77 in the Braggin’ Rights rivalry game Sunday at Enterprise Center, ending the Tigers’ winning streak at 10 games. The dagger came with 29 seconds left in the game, when star Illinois point guard Kasparas Jakucionis hit a fadeaway, mid-range jumper to give Illinois the lead.