The Illinois-Missouri Braggin’ Rights game used to fill Scottrade Center to its brim. It was always one of the high points of the St. Louis sports year.
Half the fans wore orange, half wore black and gold and many yelled until they were red in the face. This showdown was an annual holiday treat for alumni and a prime sales opportunity for the coaches.
But times have changed. These days Illinois competes with St. Louis University for Bi-State basketball bragging rights.
Struggling Mizzou has ceded the territory, alienating fans and eroding its recruiting base with numbing failure.