In a highly anticipated matchup between two of college basketball’s premier programs, No. 18 Kentucky rallied to defeat No. 6 Duke 77-72 in the Champions Classic on Tuesday night. This victory marked Kentucky’s first significant win under new head coach Mark Pope, who has taken over the program following John Calipari’s departure.
The game was characterized by a thrilling second half where Kentucky overcame a nine-point halftime deficit. The Wildcats intensified their game defensively, forcing Duke into committing six turnovers during the final 20 minutes and holding the Blue Devils to a mere 29.4% shooting from the field.
Duke’s freshman standout Cooper Flagg had an impressive showing, leading all scorers with 26 points, alongside 12 rebounds, and contributing defensively with two blocks. However, Flagg’s late-game mishaps, including two turnovers on crucial possessions, proved costly for Duke.
Andrew Carr emerged as a key player for Kentucky, scoring 17 points and making critical plays down the stretch. His performance included scoring ten of Kentucky’s final fifteen points, underscoring the Wildcats’ resilience during pivotal moments.
As for their upcoming schedules, Duke will head home for a brief one-game stand before facing a challenging lineup that includes No. 1 Kansas, No. 4 Auburn, and No. 8 Arizona. Kentucky’s next game is set for a matchup against Lipscomb at Rupp Arena on November 19.
This monumental win for Kentucky not only boosts their confidence but also establishes a strong footing for Pope’s leadership early in the season. With the ability to come back from behind against a formidable opponent, the Wildcats demonstrated potential for a promising season ahead.
Summary: No. 18 Kentucky defeated No. 6 Duke 77-72 in the Champions Classic, marking a significant victory for new coach Mark Pope. After trailing at halftime, Kentucky’s defensive adjustments allowed them to overpower Duke in the second half. The remarkable performance of Andrew Carr and the strong showing from Cooper Flagg highlighted the game, hinting at both teams’ aspirations for the season.