Illinois comes away with 73-70 over MU

The game in St. Louis drew 20,000 fans from both teams.

By Ryan Huber

Published Dec. 20, 2006

ST. LOUIS — The Kiel Center, turned Savvis Center and now called the Scottrade Center, has held thousands of contests throughout the years, but seemingly none was bigger than the 26th annual Braggin' Rights game Tuesday night. Despite those three name changes, the St. Louis building hasn't sent home the fans in black and gold victorious in seven years.

The Fighting Illini crawled away with a 73-70 victory after MU junior guard Stefhon Hannah couldn't corral the ball to shoot a game-tying three as time expired.

"Things just didn't go our way," Hannah said. "No excuses."

With 10 lead changes and neither team holding more than a six-point lead, the capacity crowd of 20,000 battled back and forth in unharmonious discord.

"Our fans, they came out in numbers, and they almost willed us, but we just couldn't get over that hump," coach Mike Anderson said. "But I think this one is going to be beneficial for us as we continue our season."

The Tigers came into the game with a 10-day break for exams, but appeared more than prepared to play with eight players scoring in the first half.

Anderson's team began with a different look as freshman guard Keon Lawrence provided an early spark. He contributed seven first-half points, but more importantly, held Illini forward Brian Randle to just four points.

Hannah led the Tigers offensively with 12 points and two assists, while also contributing two of the team's six first half turnovers. Anderson's high-pressure full-court defense didn't create as many steals as in previous games, but Anderson said it certainly worked.

"They did have problems," he said. "You look at their shooting percentage, and they shot 40 percent as a team. The thing people don't realize is the press is not all about steals and turnovers, it's [to] disrupt. They couldn't run what they wanted to run."

The Tigers finished the half with a slim 38-35 advantage thanks to a three by Hannah.

But the Illini started the second half with a 6-0 run that was broken by a Jason Horton lay-up. Early foul trouble found the Tigers in the bonus with more than 10 minutes to play, but they couldn't convert on several key free throws, ending the game 10 for 18.

With 1:23 remaining, and Missouri down by three, the defense forced a shot clock violation. Failing to convert at the other end, the Tigers were then forced to foul.

Still in the one-and-one bonus, Illini sophomore guard Chester Frazier missed the initial attempt but sophomore forward Leo Lyons was called for a lane violation, bringing the deficit back to five points.

Hannah then drove the lane and nailed a layup with 17 seconds left to bring the game within three. Strong defense forced a turnover with four seconds left, but Hannah couldn't get a shot off to tie the game. Afterwards, Anderson refused to blame his point guard.

"Stefhon Hannah, what can you say, he just leads everything and plays with his heart and guts," Anderson said.

A hoarse Illinois coach Bruce Weber was extremely happy with the victory.

"I think it was a good win," he said. "I've said it before. He (Anderson) has gotten them to play at a very high level. I thought they played even better than I thought they were to be honest."

Anderson said he felt his team gave its all.

"I thought it was a well played basketball game," he said. "I thought that the time just ran out. I'm proud of our guys, and you've got to give Illinois credit."