Ahead of the annual Braggin’ Rights clash, how much space do you think was dedicated to Javon Pickett, Mitchell Smith, or Parker Braun in Illinois’ scouting report?
Even if Pickett’s reputation in the matchup earned him more mentions, the safe assumption would likely be that much of the Illini’s focus was elsewhere on the Tigers’ roster. The game also unfolded in a way the Tigers’ longtime rival coveted. Ayo Dosunmu poured in 36 points, while two of Missouri’s stars in Jeremiah Tilmon and Mark Smith were mired in foul trouble—depriving MU of scoring punch, steady off-ball defense, and rim protection.