In a thrilling matchup in Atlanta, No. 18 Kentucky stunned No. 6 Duke with a 77-72 victory in the Champions Classic on Tuesday night. This marked Kentucky’s first signature win under head coach Mark Pope, who is in his inaugural season.
Kentucky turned the tide in the second half after trailing by nine points at halftime. The Wildcats’ defense intensified, allowing them to limit Duke to a mere 29.4% shooting in the final 20 minutes, while they capitalized on this opportunity to outscore the Blue Devils 40-26. Andrew Carr led the Wildcats with 17 points, making crucial plays down the stretch, including scoring 10 of Kentucky’s last 15 points.
Duke’s standout freshman, Cooper Flagg, had an impressive overall performance with a game-high 26 points, securing 12 rebounds, and contributing two assists and two blocks. However, his late-game turnovers proved pivotal in Kentucky’s comeback.
As the season progresses, Duke faces a daunting schedule with upcoming games against top teams like No. 1 Kansas and No. 8 Arizona. Meanwhile, Kentucky looks to build momentum as they prepare for their next game against Lipscomb.
This victory represents a significant confidence boost for Kentucky and sets a positive tone for the direction of Mark Pope’s program. Fans can look forward to more intense matchups in the Champions Classic as teams continue to evolve throughout the season.
The game highlights the resilience of Kentucky, demonstrating their capacity to adapt and thrive under pressure. As both programs continue their seasons, this encounter serves as a reminder of the fierce competition in college basketball and the excitement that lies ahead.