McCamey's fast start gives Illini Braggin' Rights for another year

When Illinois' opponent is ranked in the polls, you can bet Demetri McCamey will go on a roll.

After being benched for most of the second half Saturday against Detroit for lackadaisical play, the sophomore guard stacked up 13 points in the first eight minutes Tuesday night against No. 25 Missouri.

McCamey's spree handed the Illini an early double-digit lead that paved the way to a thorough 75-59 victory at Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

"It was very impressive," said Illinois coach Bruce Weber, speaking of his team's finest performance of the season and the program's ninth consecutive Braggin' Rights win.

McCamey, who had his top three scoring performances last season against ranked foes, hit 8 of 11 shots to finish with 20 points and also handed out 5 assists.

"He shows up in big games ALL the time, so we knew he was going to play good," said Illini sophomore forward Mike Davis. "We didn't know he was going to play that good, though."

McCamey hit his first 5 shots to enable the Illini (11-1) to break open the game early. With Mizzou (9-2) clinging within 12-9, McCamey drilled a 25-foot, off-balance 3-pointer as the shot clock sounded.

Then he drove for an 8-foot pull-up in the lane and followed that with a 3-pointer from the wing in transition to put Illinois up 20-9.

"Now the whole thing is, do I have to put him in the doghouse to get him to play?" Illinois coach Bruce Weber said. "I wish it wouldn't be like that."

When Missouri took steps to slow down McCamey after the break, senior guard Trent Meacham and sophomore big men Mike Tisdale and Mike Davis took over. Meacham finished with a season-high 23 points, while Davis (13 points, 9 rebounds) and Tisdale (12 points, 8 rebounds) approached double-doubles.

The Illini shot 57 percent while limiting the Tigers to 38 percent. Missouri, which failed to hit a 3-pointer until five minutes remained, finished 27 points below its scoring average.

"We took care of the ball and we guarded," Weber said. "That's what we talked about. Their offense is usually their press. And if we stop them, then they can't press us as many (times)."

Leo Lyons scored 22 points to lead Missouri, but top scorer and rebounder DeMarre Carroll turned his ankle early and finished with a season-low 6 points and 1 rebound in 25 minutes.