In a thrilling matchup of college basketball’s powerhouses, No. 18 Kentucky delivered a surprising upset over No. 6 Duke, winning 77-72 during the Champions Classic held on Tuesday night. This victory marks a significant milestone for coach Mark Pope, as it represents his first major win since taking over the Kentucky program.
The Wildcats made an impressive comeback from a nine-point halftime deficit, showcasing their resilience and adaptability. Duke’s star freshman Cooper Flagg continued to shine, finishing the game with a remarkable 26 points and 12 rebounds, although his late-game turnovers contributed to Duke’s downfall in the final moments.
Kentucky’s second half was particularly strong; they forced six turnovers and limited Duke’s shooting to a mere 29.4%. The team’s defense was a turning point in the game, allowing them to outscore Duke 40-26 after halftime. Forward Andrew Carr was instrumental in this victory, scoring 17 points and hitting key shots that helped secure the win down the stretch.
Duke, now facing a tough upcoming schedule, will look to regroup after this loss. Their next challenge includes games against top-ranked teams such as No. 1 Kansas and No. 4 Auburn. Meanwhile, Kentucky will next face Lipscomb at home, where they hope to build on this victory.
The clash between Kentucky and Duke continues to be an exciting chapter in college basketball, known for its fierce competition and passionate fan bases. This win not only strengthens Kentucky’s season but also gives Coach Pope a promising start to his coaching journey in Lexington.
Overall, the Wildcats demonstrated that they can compete at the highest levels, suggesting that the Mark Pope era could herald a solid revival for this storied program. This win also underscores the unpredictability and excitement of college basketball, where anything can happen on game day.