You know you will be hearing plenty from Duke and Illinois this season. I feel these are two of the top five teams in America and they showed great enthusiasm and spirit in their battle at the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.

	Duke's Carlos Boozer, left, and Illinois' Sergio McClain battled all night in the paint.

Both of these clubs will get better and better as the season goes on. At the end of Tuesday's game, Duke executed in crunch time, and that was a difference.

Shane Battier may be a top candidate for Player of the Year honors, but Duke point guard Jason Williams was the best player on the court. He did it all for the Dukies, shooting, passing, excelling on the defensive end.

Mike Dunleavy also stepped it up, especially in the second half, looking for his shot. He really asserted himself and he hit a big-time three late.

Duke won the battle of turnovers while Illinois won the war on the glass, and that has to concern Mike Krzyzewski. Coach K can accept losing, but he can't be happy when his team is outscrapped on the boards. At times, the Illini really kicked the Dukies' butts on the glass. That could be a factor in other games this season.

Illinois would not go away. The Illini were mentally, physically and emotionally tough. Bill Self's team is deep and that will help as the season progresses into Big Ten play.

Duke was show time in transition. You could see them fill the lane well on the break, looking for each other.

Illinois point guard Frankie Williams showed why he is improved. You could see him making better decisions handling and distributing the rock. Last year, you would have seen him out of control. Despite his turnovers Tuesday, I feel he is a top candidate for Most Improved Player.

What a great game! It's only November, yet you could see the competition and desire on the court.