ST. LOUIS, Mo. — In another thrilling edition of the 33rd annual Braggin’ Rights game, Illinois’ Tony Abrams made a pair of free throws with 4.6 seconds left to give the Illini a one point lead.
Tony Criswell’s 40-footer at the buzzer missed, and No. 23 Mizzou suffered its first loss of the season, 65-64. Earnest Ross (13 points) hit a three to give Mizzou the lead 61-59 with 1:57 left on the clock.
The Illini regained the lead at 62-61 on Jon Ekey’s three with 50 seconds to go. Jabari Brown (10 points) answered with a three, and the Tigers went ahead 64-63 with 16 seconds on the clock.
Then Abrams was fouled going to the hoop, and made two free throws to give Illinios the final margin. Jordan Clarkson scored a game-high 25 points for the Tigers, who drop to 10-1.
