Clemson (+2) at Illinois – ESPN2 7:30 pm ET

Bruce Weber's Fighting Illini take a 6-0 record (3-1 ATS) into the ‘Challenge’ against fellow unbeaten Clemson (7-0, 2-3 ATS). Illinois has been a surprise, vanquishing Vanderbilt on the road and beating Kent State and Tulsa in the San Padre Tournament. Contributions are coming from all their top seven players. Illinois had one of the best home court edges but is only 4-12 ATS since the beginning of last season.

Clemson is a sparkling 7-2 in this conference challenge and has returned seven of their Top 10 players from their NCAA Tournament team. K.C. Rivers makes this team flow and Raymond Sykes has brought the energy to the Tigers, with Trevor Booker being a force inside. Clemson is 6-15 ATS after playing a road game over the last three seasons.

This is one of the swing games the ACC has invariably won in this Challenge and how Illinois handles the Clemson pressure defense will directly relate to the outcome.