There was no pre-game handshake between the teams. As the host school, Illinois dictated what happened before the game – and Illini coach Ron Zook cited logistical concerns for passing on this sportsmanship gesture.

Both bands played on the field before…

The Illini are bringing a loaded team into the Edward Jones Dome this afternoon. The Tigers will counter with a retooled defense.

Can Mizzou shore up its play on that side of the ball? The better teams on the ‘08 schedule…

Illinois made a very strong case to join the Top 25 Tuesday. And Missouri . . . well, the Tigers proved they don’t belong just yet.

The Illini beat the Tigers in the Braggin’ Rights game. This isn’t a news flash,…

Here is another snap shot of the Mizzou futility: Justin Stafford missed a 15-foot jumper, then got another chance when the Tigers fetched the offensive board.

Stafford charged down the lane, took the pass, rose for the dunk . . .…

Bruce Weber’s teams grind. And this year is certainly no exception.

The Illini keeps working the offense at one end and hounding the Tigers at the other end, swarming DeMarre Carroll and Leo Lyons and containing the Missouri dribble drives.

And by…

Tigers swingman Matt Lawrence triggered a 6-0 mini-run for the Tigers, but Illinois responded with a push of its own.

So the Illini led 51-28 with 15:45 left to play. At this point, Missouri was just 12 for 37 from the…

Illinois built a comfortable 40-22 halftime lead by doing everything well:

• They ran their half-court offense with precision. They took care of the basketball (just five first-half turnovers), knocked down some early three-points, then located back-door cutters and unattended big men…

That’s good news for Mizzou. But the Tigers need their tempo setter to make a difference.

In his first 11 minutes, Carroll made scored just one bucket on three shots. He grabbed just one rebound and had no steals or assists.

The…

This is not good for Missouri, which scored just nine points in the first 8:42. Carroll eventually got off the court under his own power and left the floor with a trainer. Later, he came back to the bench.

Forward Keith…

Illinois guard Demetri McCamey threw in a fortuitous three-point with the shot clock winding down, heaving it in off-balance with a defender in his face.

When you’re hot, you’re hot — and this kid started hot. The Illini built a quick…