ST. LOUIS — How is Missouri approaching Thursday's game against Illinois?

Like it's more important than the other games on the schedule.

"A lot of people say, 'This is just another game.' This is not just another game," Missouri senior Kim English said Wednesday. "I make sure my guys know this is not just another game. After we lost my freshman year, it was the worst Christmas of my life. Ever since then, the past two years, it's been amazing. This is my favorite game of the year."

All things considered, No. 25 Illinois will face a new challenge against No. 9 Missouri (8 p.m., ESPN2).

There's a unique intensity to the annual grudge match at Scottrade Center.

And these Tigers play with a different intensity than most teams.

Perhaps more than strategy or matchups or which side is more talented, the biggest question might be this: Will the Illinois players be able match Missouri's intensity?

Illinois has good enough players to swing the upset. And its game-planning and scouting report usually are sound.

But, as Bruce Weber put it, "Those dudes play hard."

And this group of Tigers seems to play even harder when the Illini are the opponent.

There are four seniors in Missouri's starting lineup. Five of their main contributors have played a role in a Braggin' Rights win. Meanwhile, no one on the UI roster has won the rivalry game. After winning nine straight in the series, Illinois has dropped the past two.

History suggests you don't have to treat the Braggin' Rights matchup differently than other games.

But the best teams usually do.

Flyin' Illini guard Stephen Bardo, who never lost to Missouri, once said it was the most important game on the schedule. That's partly why Weber invited Bardo to speak to the team before the game in the past.

Likewise, these Tigers have approached the annual showdown with an emphasis.

"Chester Frazier, Trent Meacham, all those guys did. I know Chester did for sure," said English, who knows Frazier from their Baltimore roots. "He takes pride in going 4-0 vs. Missouri. When we lost to them my freshman year, they treated it like this is the biggest game of the year."

The Illini haven't experienced the kind of pressure and intensity they will see Thursday at the Scottrade Center — arguably at any point in their careers.

How they handle the emotion of the game will go a long way in determining which side raises the trophy at center court.

"Meyers Leonard is a really good young player. I liked him last year even when he didn't play a lot. He's a really good young talent," English said.

"And they are quick. With (Brandon) Paul and (D.J.) Richardson on the wings, they're quick. They're a good team. It will be a challenge.

"And I know they will try to slow it down. It's easier to slow a game down than speed a game up. But we'll be ready. I promise you, we'll be ready."

Paul Klee