Whatever momentum Illinois hoped to gain from its Braggin' Rights victory over Mizzou dissipated during the holidays.
The Illini struggled to a 62-58 victory over Grand Canyon to close their non-conference schedule. The Tigers should note that Illinois forced just 14 turnovers in that game after forcing 21 against Mizzou at Scottrade Center.
Missouri State advanced its case last week by scoring a big Missouri Valley Conference victory at Valparaiso. But injury-riddled SIU Carbondale took a step back by falling to Drake at home in the MVC and SEMO and SIU Edwardsville both suffered painful starts in Ohio Valley Conference play.
Here is how the area's Division I teams stack up: