It may not have the national recognition of UNC-Duke or Kentucky-Louisville, but the Braggin’ Rights series between Missouri and Illinois is one of the most heated non-conference showdowns on the college hoops calendar.
The teams first met in 1932 and have played in St. Louis — roughly halfway between the two schools — every December since 1980.
This has been a classic throw-out-the-records rivalry series. Missouri has covered the last three as an underdog, and my Missouri vs. Illinois predictions and college basketball picks expect more of the same tonight.
Missouri vs Illinois prediction
Missouri vs Illinois best bet: Missouri +10 (-110)
These teams are coming off an extended break for finals. The Illinois Fighting Illini will be playing for the first time in nine days, the Missouri Tigers for the first time in eight.
Between that and the fact that the game comes on the first day of Christmas week, expect the game to be ragged as both teams try to get focused against a major conference opponent.
Missouri has faced three power-conference foes, going 1-2 straight up and ATS. The Tigers lost to Kansas and Notre Dame while beating Minnesota by 23. Illinois has played six Quad-I games already, going 2-3-1 ATS. In addition to the Big Ten games, the Illini have beaten Texas Tech and Tennessee and lost to Alabama and UConn.
While Illinois is a big favorite and the more battle-tested team, the matchups swing things Missouri’s way. The Tigers have struggled with turnovers this season, ranking No. 266 in the nation in turnover rate on offense.
Much of that is due to losing focus against overmatched opponents. Four of their five highest turnover rates of the season came in 20-point wins, while their two best games for ball security were against Notre Dame and Kansas. Meanwhile, Illinois is No. 361 in the country in forcing turnovers.
Missouri also has the fifth-highest 2-point shooting accuracy in the country. In its last two games, Illinois allowed Ohio State and Nebraska to shoot 39-for-69 (56.5%) from two.
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Missouri vs Illinois same-game parlay
The timing of this rivalry pretty much guarantees a sloppy game that ruins both coaches’ holiday week. Between the exam break and the prospect of Christmas with family, don’t expect a defensive showcase. This game has gone Over the last five years. Illinois went Over in its last two games — both Big Ten conference contests.
Missouri has only trailed at the half twice this season and has had a better first-half point differential than second-half in each of the last six games, including against Kansas and Notre Dame. Illinois has only led at the half in one of its last four games.
Missouri vs Illinois SGP
- Missouri +10
- Missouri first half +5.5
- Over 154.5
Our beyond the arc SGP: Reverse card!
In all three of Missouri’s games against major conference opponents, the second half has been higher-scoring than the first. The same is true in four of Illinois’ six Quad-I games this season. With a combined 17 days since their last games, look for the teams to need some time to shake off the rust.
Missouri vs Illinois SGP
- Missouri +10
- Missouri first half +5.5
- Over 154.5
- First half Under 73.5
Missouri vs Illinois odds
- Spread: Missouri +10 | Illinois -10
- Moneyline: Missouri -550 | Illinois +400
- Over/Under: Over 154.5 | Under 154.5
Missouri vs Illinois betting trend to know
Illinois has cashed the first-half Under in 21 of its last 36 games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Missouri vs. Illinois.
How to watch Missouri vs Illinois
| Location | Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO |
| Date | Monday, December 22, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
Missouri vs Illinois key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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