Potent Mizzou to provide tough test

CHAMPAIGN – For years, Tyler Griffey alternated between the gold-and-black section and the orange-and-blue section in the St. Louis arena.

Because both Missouri and Illinois were recruiting the Missouri native, Griffey was only being fair. But when he decided on Illinois, his loyalty was set.

For Thursday’s game in the long-standing “Braggin’ Rights” series, he told his Mizzou-attending friends to wear neutral colors if they won’t wear the Illini hues at the Scottrade Center.

Griffey, like Illinois coach Bruce Weber, calls the rivalry one of the fiercest in college basketball.

“It’s unbelievable,” the junior said. “I’ve been going since I was in fifth grade.”

Griffey’s role as a forward against Missouri’s four-guard lineup might be different at times, but he understands the mission as well as anyone.

No. 25 Illinois (11-1) is the obvious underdog against No. 9 Missouri (11-0) despite having just one more loss.

Missouri is a veteran squad that has adapted well in the first season of new coach Frank Haith, dismantling opponents by 27.7 points per game, including a 29-point victory over Notre Dame, 39 points over California and 10 points over Villanova.

Meanwhile, Illinois has squeaked by some suspect opponents: They only beat St. Bonaventure by five points and Cornell by four.

“They’ve been able to humiliate teams so far this season,” Illinois center Meyers Leonard said.

Illinois hopes not to embarrass itself.

The Illini’s best strategy may be disrupting Missouri early, something that hasn’t happened as the Tigers are averaging 87.9 points per game.

“It’s a fine line,” Weber said. “We have to push the basketball and take opportunities when we can, but on the other hand we can’t shoot the ball quickly and we can’t turn it over because they take turnovers and make quick shots.”

Illinois could use a spark from its young bench, which has been outscored 42-3 in the last two games.

Missouri isn’t especially deep but sixth man Michael Dixon may as well be a starter with 12.6 points per game.

Weber isn’t telling his team to shirk from their status heading into the game.

“I told them we’re the underdog,” he said. “Go play and see what happens. Get after it. See if we can disrupt them. See if we can keep it close and make the clutch plays we’ve made.”