The annual Braggin’ Rights game between Illinois and Missouri tips off this Monday, giving the Illini a chance to reset after a disappointing showing against Nebraska. Every season, this matchup finds
its way to the top of Illinois fans’ calendars.
As a recent UIUC graduate, I admit, I do not know the entirety of the history behind this border war, other than it takes place every year in St. Louis, the games are always close, and Illini fans don’t seem to care much for Mizzou.
And now, with a new personal connection to the game for me (my younger brother just started his freshman year at Mizzou), I decided to look through the archives to educate myself on the history of this rivalry. I went back through the archives to gain a better understanding of what makes this rivalry significant. What I found were several defining moments that helped shape Braggin’ Rights into what it is today.
Here are three of the most notable games in the series, ranked from No. 3 to No. 1.
#3 — 1995: No. 14 Illinois 96, No. 15 Missouri 85 (OT)
This game stood out for both its stakes and its finish.
Illinois entered undefeated and snapped a four-game Braggin’ Rights losing streak with an overtime win against a similarly ranked Missouri team. It was also Lou Henson’s final Braggin’ Rights game, adding another layer of significance.
Illinois led by double digits in the second half before Missouri rallied to force overtime. The teams were tied at 75 late in regulation after Mizzou missed two free throws, and Illinois failed to convert a potential game-winner at the buzzer.
In overtime, the Illini took control immediately, outscoring Missouri 21–10. The win preserved Illinois’ unbeaten record and marked a turning point in the rivalry during the mid-1990s.
#2 — 1988: No. 5 Illinois 87, No. 10 Missouri 84
The 1988 matchup was one of the first Braggin’ Rights games that truly captured the intensity of the rivalry. It also served as the Flyin’ Illini’s first real test of what would become a defining season.
Illinois fell behind by as many as 18 points in the first half before methodically working its way back. A three-pointer from Marcus Liberty gave the Illini their first lead midway through the second half and set the stage for a back-and-forth finish.
Missouri briefly pulled ahead in the final minute on a Doug Smith dunk, but Kenny Battle calmly knocked down two free throws with 26 seconds remaining to put Illinois back in front for good. Battle finished with 28 points, 19 of them coming after halftime.
After watching the video I provided below, one moment that stands out is Kendall Gill’s postgame comment: “We knew we were going to win.” Considering Illinois had trailed by nearly 20 points against a top-10 opponent, the confidence was striking. That mindset defined the Flyin’ Illini and helped cement this win as an early milestone for both the team and the rivalry.
#1 — 2014: Rayvonte Rice Buzzer-Beater
The 2014 game remains the most iconic moment in Braggin’ Rights history.
With the score tied late, Illinois held for the final possession. Rayvonte Rice dribbled at the top of the key as time expired and hit a contested step-back three-pointer over two Mizzou defenders at the buzzer.
Illinois won 62-59, and Missouri never touched the ball after tying the game with under 20 seconds remaining. Rice finished with 19 points, along with seven rebounds and three assists.
The shot instantly became the defining highlight of the rivalry and is still referenced whenever Braggin’ Rights is discussed.
After looking back, Braggin’ Rights always seems to consistently produce close games and moments that linger well beyond the final buzzer. Whether it’s overtime swings, second-half comebacks, or a walk-off shot, the rivalry has a track record of delivering games that stick with each side’s fans.
As Illinois and Missouri meet again, history suggests the outcome may come down to a few possessions and possibly another moment that earns its place on this list. We’ll have to wait and see on Monday.
