“Illinois vs refs and mizzou still lost”: College hoops fans react as Brad Underwood’s team wins Braggin’ Rights game vs Missouri
Brad Underwood's Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the Missouri Tigers on Sunday (80-77). The loss not only ended the Tigers' 10-game winning streak but also prevented them from earning the bragging rights. Both teams showcased strong defensive fronts in the first half. Missouri forced 11 turnovers while Illinois effectively crashed the boards to outrebound the Tigers 23 to 9.
While Underwood’s squad led for the majority of the second half, Dennis Gates' roster constantly kept them from controlling the momentum. After exchanging buckets and free throws in the final minutes of the game, Jakucionis gave Illinois a 2-point lead in the final 30 seconds for the win.
College hoops fans stormed the Instagram comment section to praise Illinois' perseverance in the annual Braggin' Rights game:
"Lol mizzou free throw merchants and still couldn’t win😭😭🤣," a fan commented.
"Illinois vs refs and mizzou still lost😂," another fan wrote.
"Illini vs refs 3 straight games and now 2-1 in those games😂😂," another fan commented.
More fans commented on the officiating in the game:
"Perhaps the worst officiating in any game ever on both sides.," a fan wrote.
"Refs handed the game to Mizzou and they still found a way to choke 😂😂😂," another fan commented
"Pissouri always paying the refs and still lose 😭😭😭😭 cry me a river 😭😭," another fan wrote.
Brad Underwood praised Dennis Gates' coaching after Illinois' win
The 2024 Braggin' Rights game was the closest contest fans have witnessed in the last four years. The previous three games were decided by a double-digit scoring differential. It is also the closest Braggin' Rights game at Enterprise Center.
With that, Brad Underwood made sure to give Dennis Gates his flowers. Not only did he commend the first-year Missouri coach’s potential and impact on the program, but he claimed that the contests against him make for must-watch NCAA basketball.
"That's two really good basketball teams. It makes this game another game that is great for college basketball, Underwood said after the game. "Dennis does a fabulous job. Coming off the year they had last year, is putting together a really good team…That's an NCAA tournament team."
Despite playing catch-up for the majority of the game and the eventual loss, Gates highlighted his team’s ability to find offense and bounce back constantly. After a week of rest, Illinois (8-3) will face Chicago State on Dec. 29 while Missouri will prepare to travel to play against Alabama State on Dec. 30.