Report Card: Illinois Vs. Clemson

Frontcourt: A+ Forward Mike Davis likes playing against Clemson, a school that also recruited him. After scoring 28 last season in a two-point loss in Assembly Hall, Davis finished with 20 here. Center Mike Tisdale had 12 points, eight rebounds, four blocks and gets the game ball for his leadership.

Backcourt: A+ Illinois avoided catastrophe with Demetri McCamey in foul trouble, and freshmen guards Brandon Paul and D.J. Richardson played like stars away from the Hall.

Bench: B Coach Bruce Weber shortened his bench down the stretch, going primarily with Jeff Jordan to spare McCamey from a chance at a fifth foul. But Bill Cole also provided a spark earlier.

Overall: A Had Illinois slunk home after a 20point blowout loss, who knows where the season was headed. Instead, Illinois’ record-setting rally against the team picked to finish third in the ACC put the Illini back on the basketball map. The season got interesting again. Grades by JOHN SUPINIE