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 athletics Kasparas Jakucionis defends during Sunday’s Braggin’ Rights game against Missouri at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Jakucionis scored a game-high 21 points, including the game-winning jump shot, to lift the Illini to an 80-77 win.

Freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis hit a 12-foot fadeaway with 28 seconds left to snap the game's final tie as Illinois claimed an 80-77 victory over Missouri in the Braggin' Rights

After a full week off, Illinois (8-3, 1-1 Big Ten) made the short trek across the Missouri border to St. Louis for its annual clash with Mizzou (10-2, 0-0 SEC). In yet another physical, whistle-heavy matchup – similar to last week’s contest against No.

Illinois is the top rebounding team in the nation, pulling down 45.6 boards per game, while Missouri is a lowly 254th. Ivisic should clear his rebounding total with some to spare against the Tigers. Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Two weekends ago, when Missouri had a chance to knock off the No. 1 team in the nation in a home game, the Tigers came through with a nine-point win

Illinois players Kylan Boswell (4), Morez Johnson Jr. (21), Tre White (22) and Ben Humrichous (3) gather during the Illini's 80-77 win against Missouri on Sunday at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. / University of Illinois