ST. LOUIS (Interstat) — A surging Missouri squad and a reeling Illinois team will renew their Braggin’ Rights rivalry at Enterprise Center on Monday, Dec. 22, in a nonconference showdown with contrasting momentum. The Tigers (10-2), riding high after winning eight of their last nine, host the Fighting Illini (8-3), who are looking to rebound from a disappointing home loss to Nebraska just over a week ago. Missouri’s strong start has been fueled by a balanced attack and a perfect 8-0 record at home, though their schedule softens the mark. Their two losses came on the road against power conference foes Kansas and Notre Dame. Illinois, meanwhile, seeks to regain its early-season form after the 83-80 defeat to the Cornhuskers snapped a two-game win streak that included impressive road victories at Ohio State and Tennessee. The Illini’s other losses are to then-UConn and Alabama. The spotlight will be on the backcourt, where Illinois point guard Keaton Wagler faces a major test. Wagler is coming off a career performance in the loss to Nebraska, logging 40 minutes with 19 points and 10 assists. Over his last three games, he has averaged 19.3 points and 6.7 assists, serving as the engine for the Illini offense. He will be countered by Missouri’s versatile forward Mark Mitchell, a consistent scoring threat. Mitchell averages 17.8 points per game and is fresh off a 19-point, 7-rebound effort in a rout of Bethune-Cookman. He has scored 15 or more points in seven of Missouri’s 12 games. The Tigers boast superior depth, with four players averaging double figures, including Anthony Robinson (12.3 ppg, 5.8 apg) and Jacob Crews (11.8 ppg). Illinois relies heavily on its trio of Wagler, Andrej Stojakovic (14.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg), and Kylan Boswell (13.2 ppg), who combined for 58 points in the Nebraska game. This annual neutral-site game in St. Louis often provides a postseason atmosphere in December. Missouri will aim to use its depth and home-city advantage to exploit an Illinois team still searching for consistency against top competition. For the Illini, a win in a hostile environment would provide a crucial resume boost before Big Ten play resumes in January. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CST.