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Scouting reports: Illini, NU, Loyola, UIC

No. 13 Illinois (9-0) at No. 10 Gonzaga (9-0)

When, where: 9 p.m. Saturday, McCarthey Athletic Center, Spokane WA

TV: ESPN2 Radio: WIND 560-AM

Summary: As of Friday, there were only 18 unbeaten teams in Division I basketball, and there will be one less after these two clubs meet in Spokane. Both teams were unbeaten last year when the Illini whipped the Zags ... in Champaign. Illinois hasn’t beaten a Top 10 ranked opponent on the road since 2008, and hasn’t beaten a nonconference Top 10 team since 1986. Both teams have four starters averaging double digits in scoring.

Butler (6-2) at Northwestern (7-2)

When, where: 7 p.m. Saturday, Welsh-Ryan Arena

TV: BTN Radio: WGN 720 AM

Summary: The Wildcast earned an impressive 74-70 road win at Baylor on Tuesday thanks to all five starters scoring in double figures. While Northwestern’s shooting touch was cold in its losses, the Wildcats will need to step up defensively against Butler, which shooting a better percentage than the Cats and coming off an 87-55 win this week over IUPUI. Rotnei Clarke, who nearly beat the Illini by himself, leads Butler with 17.9 ppg. NU is 12-1 against Butler in Evanston.

Loyola (6-2) at No. 19 Michigan State (7-2)

When, where: 1 p.m. Saturday at the Breslin Center

TV: BTN Radio: loyolaramblers.com

Summary: After five straight wins, Loyola will face its first ranked team since a 68-60 loss to Kansas State in 2010. Michigan State has won its last two games, over Nicholls State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff, by an average of 38.5 points. Both the Ramblers and the Spartans are holding teams under 58 ppg.

Illinois-Chicago (7-1) vs. Colorado State (6-1)

When, where: 3 p.m. Saturday at UIC Pavilion

TV: CSN Radio: WMVP 1000-AM

Summary: UIC head coach Howard Moore’s club can match last season’s win total with a win against the Rams. The Flames are unbeaten at home, with seven straight wins to date. Both UIC center Josh Crittle and CSU center Colton Iverson have been scoring in double figures and leading their teams in rebounding.

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