COLUMBIA, Mo. - Lots of new players, one new coach, same old rivalry.
Missouri and Illinois will play their annual Braggin' Rights game at 5 p.m. today (ESPN2-TV) at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. But there's a few new twists.
Only two Missouri players have ever played against Illinois, no one on the Illini roster has ever beaten Missouri, and the two head coaches have combined to coach in just one Braggin' Rights game.
"I watched it on TV last year and it seemed like a crazy, exciting game the fans are really excited about," Missouri guard Earnest Ross said. "For me, just coming here last year and seeing that, it made me look forward to an actual game to play in this year. This year when we get to play them, I'll be very hyped up to play and excited to play."
Ross, a transfer from Auburn, had to sit out last year's game. But Missouri coach Frank Haith got his first taste of the rivalry last year, a 78-74 Missouri victory.