Mizzou tries to end its Braggin' drought

ST. LOUIS -- Missouri senior Matt Lawrence doesn't remember much about the last time the Tigers had Braggin' Rights. He refuses to obsess over Illinois' eight-game winning streak since 1999 in the neutral-site series heading into tonight's game at the Scottrade Center.

"That was a long time ago, and I can't really remember back that far," Lawrence said. "I'd rather go out and have a good senior season than worrying about beating Illinois."

A 78-72 victory in 1999 gave Missouri three straight victories in the series. Illinois (10-1) has had the upper hand since, including a one-point decision last December.

"I try to look at each game the same way," freshman guard Marcus Denmon said. "But everyone knows in the back of their mind that this is a big rivalry game, and that's how it's amped up to be."

Missouri has won seven in a row for the first time since the start of the 2006-07 season behind the senior tandem of 6-7 DeMarre Carroll and 6-9 Leo Lyons, who combine for 34 points and 14.5 rebounds per game. There's depth, too, to fuel Missouri coach Mike Anderson's relentless style, with reserves averaging about 37 points.

The Tigers are averaging 86 points with a 25-point average margin while shooting nearly 50 percent during the winning streak. Missouri and North Carolina are the only schools to rank in the top five in scoring, assists, steals, assist/turnover ratio and scoring margin.

"In the last couple of years this game has come down to making plays and most importantly making stops," Anderson said. "Hopefully those can go in our favor this year."

There's potential for a high-scoring game, with Illinois topping 80 points its last two games. Illinois is shooting 52.8 percent the last five games and 47 percent from 3-point range the last four.

While Missouri tried to downplay the importance of the game, Illinois coach Bruce Weber wasn't about to deny the special atmosphere.

"My first game here I kind of took it for granted until the tip went up," said Weber, in his sixth season. "The noise never stopped, and when they got the trophy it was like they won the national championship.

"It's a high-intensity game."

Illinois has won four straight games behind a balanced attack that includes four players averaging in double figures, has had six players lead in scoring and has not trailed at halftime.

Mike Davis leads Illinois with 13 points and 8.2 rebounds, with four double-doubles. Demetri McCamey averages 12.4 points and 4.8 assists, and Trent Meacham averages 10.9 points and is a 47-percent shooter from 3-point range. Center Mike Tisdale averaged 20 points and 6.5 rebounds the last two games.

Last season, Illinois didn't get its 10th victory until Jan. 27.