No. 8 Alabama braces for stern challenge from No. 25 Illinois

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Alabama was unsuccessful in last Friday's fierce test against a Big Ten program, falling at Purdue to slide out of the top five in the polls.

The No. 8 Crimson Tide will see another ranked Big Ten squad on Wednesday when they battle No. 25 Illinois in the C.M. Newton Classic at Birmingham, Ala.Alabama (3-1) was outclassed 87-78 in the sh