MATCHUPS

Sporting News, The, Nov 29, 1999

DUKE VS. ILLINOIS, 9 P.M. ET TUESDAY, ESPN: The highlight of the two-day, nine-game ACC-Big Ten Challenge will feature a load of young talent with six freshman former McDonald's All-Americans. Pregame appetizers have Wisconsin at Wake Forest (7 p.m., ESPN) and Iowa at Maryland (7:30 p.m., ESPN2).

Frontcourt: Prep teammates Sergio McClain and Marcus Griffin are reunited for Illinois and lead a deep front line. Duke forwards Chris Carrawell and Shane Battier are among the nation's best.

Backcourt: A freshman named Williams will lead the way-for both. Duke's Jason, last year's prep player of the year, and Illinois' Frank, ooze potential, but they are sure to be a bit inconsistent.

Prediction: After the 0-2 start, Carrawell was moved to the 4 and Battier to center, creating a likely great matchup with Griffin. But what edge in experience the mini have should pay off in a win.

KENTUCKY VS. ARIZONA, 9 P.M. ET FRIDAY, ESPN: Assuming the favorites survived Wednesday's Preseason NIT semifinals. Only UK's Jamaal Magloire and Steve Masiello and UA's Jon Ash and Josh Pastner remain from '97 NCAA title game, won by Arizona. If UA's frosh guards keep shining, Tucson's 'Cats will win again.

MICHIGAN ST. VS. UNC, 9 P.M. ET WEDNESDAY, ESPN: With no Mateen Cleaves-Ed Cota matchup, some luster is lost. But it's a prime chance for the ACC to show its worth and should be a heck of a battle on the boards among the Spartans' Andre Hutson and Morris Peterson and the Heels' Kris Lang and Brendan Haywood.