In 2011, BYU opened the Chicago Invitational Challenge with an easy win over Nevada at the Sears Center in Hoffman Estates, Ill., then fell 73-56 to Wisconsin in the championship game. Guard Ben Brust was 7 of 10 from 3-point line for the Badgers.
As I wrote in this piece, the game is BYU's last chance to get a resume-building win before the WCC slate begins after Christmas.
Illinois is a 3-point favorite. BYU coach Dave Rose said the Cougars can win if they play as well as they did Saturday night in beating Colorado, 79-71.