Scouting college basketball

Illinois (4-2) at Clemson (6-1)

When: 6:15 p.m. at Littlejohn Coliseum

TV: ESPN; Radio: WIND 560-AM

Skinny: It's strange to call this ACC/Big Ten Challenge showdown a crossroads game, seeing as how there are at least 25 more games on the schedule. But after losing to Utah and Bradley, the Illini desperately need to gain some confidence. They're in danger of losing three consecutive non-conference games for the first time since 1992. Clemson, ranked No. 18 in the AP poll, retains just two starters from last year's group that won 76-74 at Assembly Hall. The Illini couldn't handle guard Demontez Stitt (18 points, 6 assists, 4 steals) and center Trevor Booker (16 points, 8 rebounds) last year - and their defense has only become worse in the intervening year. Guard Brandon Paul, who became the first Illini to score at least 20 points in each of his first two games, has scored 26 points on 9-of-25 shooting in the last four games. Bruce Weber replaced him with Alex Legion against Bradley.

Bradley (4-2) at Northern Illinois (1-4)

When: 7 p.m. at the Convocation Center

Radio: WSCR 670-AM

Skinny: Fresh from their first win over Illinois in 36 seasons, the Braves continue their plans to rule the state's basketball scene with this trip to DeKalb. Junior guard Sam Maniscalco (9.7 ppg) is the only Bradley player from the Chicago area. As for the Chicago-area-rich Huskies, this will be their last game until Dec. 15 due to final exams. NIU managed just 45 points and shot 33 percent from the field at Northern Iowa on Saturday as Ricardo Patton shook up the lineup.

Alabama State (1-3) at DePaul (4-1)

When: 7:30 p.m. at Allstate Arena

Video/Audio: depaulbluedemons.com

Skinny: It's early to be relying on computer formulas to rank teams, but Ken Pomeroy's math shows DePaul as the nation's No. 62 team. Not only that, but kenpom.com says the Blue Demons have faced the nation's 46th-toughest schedule and rank 51st in adjusted defense (89.8 points per 100 possessions). On a more conventional note, senior guard Will Walker leads DePaul with 16.6 points per game. He put up 45 in the last two games without Mac Koshwal (foot). Alabama State lost its first three road games (at Mississippi, Belmont and Tulane) by an average of 33.3 points.