I-L-L big winners 70 - 64 against Missou
Local coach claims first Braggin' Right's

[December 24, 2017]  The Alexander family was particularly happy following the Braggin’ Rights game Saturday night at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis when the University of Illinois Men's Basketball Team claimed the 'Braggin' Rights' over rival University of Missouri.

Decked out in the orange and blue are Lincoln Railers Coach Neil Alexander and his wife Denise, along with their son, Illinois Assistant Coach Geoff Alexander and his wife Kiersten. Grandchildren Braelyn, Jax and Kinley also got to see a game to remember for Illini fans.

After an incredible first half performance, the Fighting Illini led the Tigers by 20 points, 42-22 the halftime score. Illinois went on to win 70-64 as Trent Frazier led the team with 22 points.

Leron Black poured in 20 points for the Fighting Illini but on a personal note he was riding even higher following the win as he proposed to his girlfriend on the court in front of family, friends and fans. The Illini Men’s Basketball twitter congratulated Black by posting “20 points, 7 rebounds, 1 trophy and 1 YES.”

 

http://www.fightingillini.com/index.aspx?path=mbball

The Fighting Illini can now brag they have won this contest the last five years. Senior Michael Finke was particularly happy about that and he held his hand high reminding everyone that was five in a row.

Illinois also leads the all-time series over Missouri, 32-16. The Braggin’ Rights game began back in 1980. Illinois Head Coach Brad Underwood said after the win that he really loved these college basketball game rivalries.

So do the orange and blue! Congratulations to the Fighting Illini and all of Illini Nation.

[Teena Lowery]