Sunday was a huge step forward for Illinois (8-3, 1-1 Big Ten) on multiple fronts. An 80-77 win over Missouri in the team's annual Braggin' Rights game was the headline, but the subtext was infinitely more important.

Missouri basketball lost to Illinois 80-77 in the Braggin’ Rights rivalry game Sunday at Enterprise Center, ending the Tigers’ winning streak at 10 games. The dagger came with 29 seconds left in the game, when star Illinois point guard Kasparas Jakucionis hit a fadeaway, mid-range jumper to give Illinois the lead.

Two weekends ago, when Missouri had a chance to knock off the No. 1 team in the nation in a home game, the Tigers came through with a nine-point win

Illinois players Kylan Boswell (4), Morez Johnson Jr. (21), Tre White (22) and Ben Humrichous (3) gather during the Illini's 80-77 win against Missouri on Sunday at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. / University of Illinois