In a highly anticipated matchup between two college basketball powerhouses, No. 18 Kentucky delivered a thrilling upset against No. 6 Duke, winning 77-72 in the Champions Classic held in Atlanta. The Wildcats made a remarkable comeback after trailing by nine points at halftime, marking a significant achievement in the early season for newly appointed head coach Mark Pope.
The second half featured intense back-and-forth action, with Kentucky’s defense stepping up to contain Duke’s offensive momentum. The Wildcats forced six turnovers in the half and restricted the Blue Devils to just 29.4% shooting, a stark contrast to their first half performance where they shot 48.6% with only one turnover.
Kentucky’s Andrew Carr was instrumental in the victory, scoring 17 points and making crucial baskets in the final moments of the game. His strong contributions, particularly down the stretch, helped Kentucky outscore Duke 40-26 in the last 20 minutes. On Duke’s side, freshman sensation Cooper Flagg had a standout game, scoring 26 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. However, he faced difficulties late in the game, committing two turnovers that halted any chance of a Blue Devils’ comeback.
With this victory, Kentucky looks to build on their momentum as they prepare to host Lipscomb next Tuesday at Rupp Arena. Meanwhile, Duke faces stiff competition next as they return home for a challenging series against top-ranked teams such as Kansas and Auburn.
This game serves as a promising start for Kentucky under Pope, demonstrating their potential and resilience as they aim to make an impact this season. The Champions Classic continues to showcase elite college basketball talent, keeping fans excited for more thrilling matchups ahead.
Overall, this early upset not only boosts Kentucky’s confidence but also sets the stage for a promising season as both teams navigate their challenging schedules.