Illinois-Missouri memories    

By Greg Taylor

[DEC. 22, 2004]  Wednesday evening, your No. 1-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini will renew their annual battle with our rivals to the west, the 6-4 Missouri Tigers. This game typically matches two of the best teams in the country on a neutral court for a fantastic Christmas present given to those who love all things college basketball. This year, however, we find Missouri struggling to beat mid-major teams like Davidson and Creighton. They even struggled before finally knocking off the pathetic Indiana Hosers on Sunday. As a result, we won't spend much time previewing what should be blowout city at the Savvis. Instead, sit back and enjoy this stroll down memory lane as we look at some of the great moments in Illinois-Missouri history:

The five games I've witnessed personally:

1. 1995 -- Lou Henson's final Illini team came in undefeated and hot after beating Coach K and Duke in Durham. A great game -- back and forth throughout -- as Kiwane Garris and Jerry Hester both played great games. Senior Richard Keene fouled out late in regulation but watched as the Illini dominated overtime and sent the Tigers home with a Hester dunk in the closing seconds -- Illinois wins 96-85. Viewed game from the third row from the top with buddy Jeff Mayfield and loved his quote in the hallways after: "Missouri's not bad, for a Big 8 team."

2. 1998 -- Lon Kruger's third team, and the only team in the past 20 years not good enough to qualify for postseason play ('91 team had no postseason due to NCAA fascism but did win 21 games). This team really struggled to score, and this night was no different. Sophomore Sergio McClain explodes late with a barrage of 3-point buckets, but it is to no avail. The Tigers win 67-62, and the view on this night was from the second row from the top with friend Mike Seitz. The highlight of the night was staying over at the downtown Marriott with our wives and seeing Arias Davis and his bright red shoes the next morning in the lobby.

3. 2000 -- Bill Self's first team and a Brian Cook first-half explosion. How about 23 points in the half before the famous freeze-out in the final 20. My wife, Marla, was by my side on the very top row of the stands (do you see a trend?), and Illinois finally won in overtime on this night, 86-81, as Frank Williams saved the game in regulation and won it during the extra session. This broke a three-game Mizzou win streak in the series and helped propel the Illini to an Elite Eight finish.

4. 2001 -- Much better view -- from press row with Mayfield. Both teams came in ranked in the top 10, and the game was a real slugfest. Illinois led most of the way and won going away 72-61 -- as Frank Williams really outplayed Kareem Rush in the battle of all-Americans. The lone highlight for Mizzou was when a drunk, loser Missouri fan tackled the Chief at halftime. Too bad security arrived quickly, as the Krush was "taking care of business," so to speak. "Duran Duran boy," aka Missouri coach Quin Snyder, looked shell-shocked after the game and led me to mutter, "You're not in K-Land anymore!"

5. 2003 -- Missouri is a heavy favorite as Illinois enters the game without the services of super-sophomore Deron Williams. Someone forgot to tell the Illini, however, as they explode to an early 42-21 lead. Snyder screamed for a rally, and Missouri seniors Arthur Johnson, Ricky Paulding and Trayvon Bryant respond, but it was too little, too late, as Illinois holds on for a 72-71 victory. The aforementioned Tiger seniors finish 0-4 for their career against the Orange and Blue (does anyone have a Kleenex?). ESPN's Andy Katz predicted the close loss would help the Tigers in the tournament. Just one problem -- they didn't make the tournament. Can you say NIT, baby? Press row was awesome once again!

Three favorites viewed from a distance:

1. 1988 -- The best game in the series history from my perspective. Final Four year, Illinois down 18 early in the second half, and the Flying Illini come all the way back and win 87-84. Kenny Battle was incredible; Lou gets out of the way during the rally (he was at his best when doing this); and Illini Nation walks away knowing this team is special. Norm Stewart looks stunned as the post-game handshakes commence, and Nick Anderson, Kendall Gill and crew continue their undefeated season. Watched with Mom and Dad in Champaign -- great Christmas present.

2. 1993 -- Tough game to swallow, but special still. Illinois loses in triple overtime 108-107 as freshman Kiwane Garris misses two free throws with no time left on the clock at the end of the first overtime. This game really sent Illinois into a tailspin, while Missouri used the momentum to go 14-0 in the Big 8. Watched the game at the apartment of friend Eric Ewald in Springfield and actually put a hole in the wall late in the game (not good).

3. 1990 -- This was the all-NCAA sanctions game, as both Illinois and Missouri were penalized by our friends from Iowa for infractions that were never proved. Missouri came in the favorite, but Andy Kaufmann dropped 33 on the Tigers, and Deon Thomas was a force in the second half. Tiger stud Doug Smith finishes his Missouri career 0-4 against Illinois (is this a trend?) despite the fact both Brooks Taylor and Tim Geers actually appear in the game. Final score 84-81. Watched with the in-laws before they were my in-laws, and I'm amazed they still let me marry their only daughter after my display.

Toughest memory from the Illinois-Missouri series:

• 2002 -- Even though I had a press credential in the front row waiting for me, I was instead spending the day in Latham celebrating an early Christmas with the in-laws. Cook's final border war game is one to behold as Illinois blows out Mizzou 85-70. Dee Brown looks great, scoring 25, and Missouri is never in the game. Overheard regularly in the Taylor household in the days before this matchup: "All I want for Christmas is to actually go to the Missouri game." Santa doesn't deliver this year and I'm watching from home instead.

Here's hoping you enjoyed this stroll down Illini lane. Have a Merry Christmas.

Oh, yeah, a prediction -- the Illini will win 84-65!

[Greg Taylor]

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