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ST. LOUIS (AP) -- After three straight holiday seasons spoiled by Illinois, finally Missouri coach Mike Anderson had his chance to crow. 

Anderson proclaimed the Tigers the ultimate team several times after an impressive 81-68 victory in the annual "Braggin' Rights" game Wednesday night. 

Nobody could blame Anderson for puffing out his chest. Missouri (8-3) had lost nine in a row overall dating to 1999 in what has become a lopsided rivalry before putting everything together with a performance that left the Illini (8-4) wondering what hit them. 

Anderson lost his first three attempts, and failed to dictate tempo the last two while scoring 59 and 58 points.

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