As a horde orange-clad spectators headed for the exits at Scottrade Center in the closing minutes of the Tigers’ 81-68 win, those dressed in black and gold among an announced crowd of 20,497 remained on their feet, applauding every made basket and rebound the cemented the victory.

Kim English scored a game-high 24 points to lead Missouri. He made five 3-pointers and threw in a remarkable off-balance shot that helped put the Illini away as the Tigers pulled off their first win over their rivals to the east since a 78-72 victory on Dec. 21, 1999.