In a continuing series, we'll take a look back at memorable Illini moments through the covers of News-Gazette sports sections.

Today: The Illini will try to extend their Braggin' Rights winning streak to double digits Wednesday. A look back at the recent dominance.

Illinois' post-Braggin' Rights celebration here Wednesday, after a 70-64 win against Missouri, was relatively tame.

"We're happy to win," Illini guard Deron Williams said after his team continued its stranglehold on the series, winning a fifth straight against the Tigers. "Mostly, we're tired."

CHICAGO – Some teams dazzle you with their talent. Some teams frazzle you with their hard work.

And then there's top-ranked Illinois.

CHAMPAIGN – It took 497 games to get here. It took three coaching changes and the better part of 14 seasons.

It's been a long climb back to No. 1 for the Illinois basketball program. The Illini would like to stick around a while.

In a continuing series, we'll take a look back at memorable Illini moments through the covers of News-Gazette sports sections.

Today: No one symbolizes the ups and downs of the Ron Zook era like quarterback Juice Williams, the face of Illinois football who is certain to draw the loudest ovation during Senior Day festivities at Memorial Stadium.

CHAMPAIGN – For one night, this town was the center of the basketball universe.

And Illinois' 91-73 rout of Wake Forest on Wednesday provided one heck of a college hoops big bang.

News you can't leave work without::

The Big Ten Network will spotlight two Illini basketball games as part of its  "Greatest Games" series:  Frank Williams' buzzer-beater against Ohio State in 2000 and the Flyin' Illini's win against Syracuse in the 1989 Elite Eight.

INDIANAPOLIS - Maybe it was when Illinois' Roger Powell Jr. stepped backward, glanced at the three-point line, then calmly buried his first triple of the season.

Maybe it was when Gonzaga big man Ronny Turiaf, stifled all afternoon, began berating his teammates out of frustration.