Like most Mizzou games, this game will hinge on rebounds and turnovers. They've had trouble giving up too many offensive rebounds this year, and Illinois has height on them in the post. On the other hand, Illinois hasn't been all that great at taking care of the ball, especially for a power conference team. If the on-ball pressure can lead to some easy baskets and fast breaks, then Mizzou doesn't need to do as well in rebounding margin. As for a prediction, I really don't have much idea since I haven't seen Illinois play and haven't really the last couple years, so I'm pretty unfamiliar with Davis, Tisdale, obviously Legion, etc. I think Mizzou will be alright(that is, not fighting to keep it a game) as long as one guard has a nice game like typically happens. Some nights it's been Tiller(though he always fills the stat sheet), other nights it's been Denmon or English, a couple times Paul has even done well for himself creating easy buckets for others. That happens and it's likely a possession for possession game down the stretch, and hopefully Mizzou will make some free throws and not choke it away like the Xavier game.