NASHVILLE - To convince observers this is a different Illinois team, the Illini needed a look-at-us type of victory.

They got one Thursday night -- on the road, no less.

Behind 23 points from Demetri McCamey, Illinois ended Vanderbilt's 20-game homecourt winning streak with a 69-63 triumph. Illinois' first road win -- in its first attempt -- came before an announced sellout at Memorial Gymnasium.

Paul Klee's preview

Donovine Stewart spent the summer touring the nation with Peoria Carver AAU. Despite basketball filling most of his free time, the sophomore guard from Limestone (Bartonville) is anxious to get back on the floor for the high school season. The Rockets kick off the season against Rockwood Summit (Mo.) at Washington on Wednesday.

On Dec. 13, some of the brightest boys' basketball stars will take the Assembly Hall Court for the 2008 WDWS/News-Gazette Shootout at the Hall presented by State Farm (tickets went on sale Nov. 17 - $5 for students, $10 general admission, $15 courtside). Here are the pairings — and analysis from Paul Klee and Jeff Huth:

Forward drawing attention from big-time programs

Thursday's game at Vanderbilt (7 p.m., Fox Sports Midwest) is one of a half-dozen opportunities for Illinois to highlight its nonconference resume. Beat writer Paul Klee gives you the other five:

CHAMPAIGN – There are disadvantages to playing a basketball game at Vanderbilt.

The young Illini will leave their comfort zone as they fly to Nashville tonight, move into new surroundings and take the court Thursday (7 p.m.) in front of a rabid fandom that cheered 19 consecutive Commodore victories at Memorial Gymnasium last season.

News-Gazette beat writer Paul Klee's weekly look at the best game in the world