Atlanta, Ga – November 12, 2024 – Matthew Hudson
In what is widely regarded as one of the best nights of College Basketball not part of March Madness 4 of the greatest programs in College Basketball meet in Atlanta for the State Farm Champions Classic. The first game featured the Michigan State Spartans vs the #1 team in the land, the Kansas Jayhawks. The second game was the more anticipated matchup as it always is when the Duke Blue Devils take on the Kentucky Wildcats.
The first game was close throughout, but the more experienced team prevailed with the Jayhawks taking down the Spartans 77-69. Hunter Dickinson had himself a night leading his team in both Points and Rebounds on his way to a 28-point and 12-rebound night.
Both teams seemed to find their rhythm early which was expected from 2 of the highest scoring teams in the country. Duke came into the game averaging 98 ppg and Kentucky a modest 101.5 ppg. UK found it using the 3-pointer while Duke found it through their outstanding Freshman Flagg and Knueppel. Kentucky leads 23-12 with 9:55 left in the First Half.
Cats go cold scoring only 14 points in the last 10 minutes of the half. Duke’s freshmen continue to put on a show accounting for 30 of Duke’s 46 first half points. Fouls really racked up on both teams as the half wound down with Duke amassing 11 and UK 10. Duke took a 46-37 lead into Halftime.
Kentucky came out with more energy than they seemed to the first half and was able to cut into the lead. Duke seemed about to pull away at any time, but the Wildcats kept it close with well timed runs. Duke still up 8 with 10 minutes remaining in the game.
Kentucky finds a way. They fight back with some huge buckets by Andrew Carr and are able to come up with the 77-72 win over the Duke Devils.
Kentucky had a well-balanced offense, but Andrew Carr came through when it mattered the most. Carr ended the game with 17 points and 5 rebounds.
Its easy to see why the whole country is talking about the fabulous freshmen of Duke. Flagg, Knueppel, and Maluach combined for 50 points and 24 rebounds.
Kentucky showed a lot of poise and in what seems like a recurring narrative in College Basketball the last few years when 2 teams of equal talent meet the more experienced team seems to have the edge.
Kentucky’s next game will be Tuesday, Nov. 17th against Lipscomb at 7 pm.