No. 1 UConn defeated No. 11 Iowa 90-64 at the Women’s Champions Classic, with standout performances from Hannah Stuelke and Chit-Chat Wright for Iowa, who struggled early but showed resilience before the Huskies pulled away in the final quarter.
The updated Top 25 college basketball rankings after week two see Kansas at the top following their win over Michigan State in the Champions Classic. Auburn, Gonzaga, UConn, and Iowa State round out the top five. Notable performances include Kansas' Hunter Dickinson and Auburn's Johni Broome. The rankings reflect early-season performances, with teams like Kentucky and Tennessee also making strong starts. The list anticipates further changes as the season progresses.
In a thrilling Champions Classic matchup, No. 19 Kentucky defeated No. 6 Duke 77-72, marking a significant victory for coach Mark Pope. Despite trailing 46-37 at halftime, Kentucky rallied back, with Otega Oweh securing the win by hitting crucial free throws in the final seconds. Duke's Cooper Flagg, who scored 26 points, made critical turnovers in the last minute, aiding Kentucky's victory. Andrew Carr led Kentucky with 17 points, while Oweh added 15. Both teams struggled with three-point shooting, highlighting areas for improvement.
Kentucky, under new head coach Mark Pope, secured a 77-72 victory over Duke in the Champions Classic, thanks to a roster built on experienced players. Pope's strategy of recruiting older, college-experienced players paid off as Kentucky overcame a deficit with key performances from veterans Andrew Carr and Otega Oweh. The Wildcats' emphasis on 3-point shooting and aggressive play in the second half helped them secure their first Champions Classic win since 2020. Duke's Cooper Flagg, a projected top NBA draft pick, led his team with 26 points but couldn't prevent the loss.
Kansas Jayhawks coach Bill Self became the winningest coach in the school's history with his 591st victory, achieved in a 77-69 win over Michigan State in the Champions Classic. Despite a challenging game with low shooting percentages, Self's team remains ranked No. 1 in the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1. Kansas, now 3-0, will face Oakland next, with a high-profile game against Duke scheduled before Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, Kentucky moved up to No. 13 in the rankings after defeating Duke.
The No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats defeated the No. 6 Duke Blue Devils 77-72 in a thrilling Champions Classic matchup. Despite a sloppy first half and trailing by nine points, Kentucky rallied in the final minutes to secure the win. Key performances included Andrew Carr's standout scoring and Mark Pope's successful coaching debut against elite competition. Duke's talented freshmen, Cooper Flagg and Konn Knueppel, also impressed, but Kentucky's resilience and depth proved decisive. This victory marks Kentucky's first Champions Classic win in four years and their first win over Duke since 2015.
In a closely contested Champions Classic matchup, No. 19 Kentucky defeated No. 6 Duke 77-72. Despite leading by double digits after halftime, Duke couldn't withstand Kentucky's late surge. Key turnovers by Duke's Cooper Flagg in the final moments allowed Kentucky to secure the win. Duke's offensive struggles and injuries in the second half contributed to their downfall, while Kentucky's experience and execution in the closing minutes proved decisive. Duke will next play Wofford at home.
Duke and Kentucky, two of college basketball's most storied programs, face off in the Champions Classic at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Duke, led by star forward Cooper Flagg, is favored by 6.5 points and has started the season strong with wins over Maine and Army. Kentucky, under new coach Mark Pope, also began with dominant victories and features a high-scoring offense. The game is a key early-season test for both teams, with Duke predicted to win by a significant margin.
A new hype video has been released for the highly anticipated Kentucky vs. Duke basketball game, highlighting the stakes and excitement surrounding the matchup. Kentucky's head coach, Mark Pope, has been successful since taking over, and this game is seen as a significant test of his leadership. The video captures the energy and anticipation as Kentucky aims to secure a statement victory in the Champions Classic.
Kentucky's new basketball coach, Mark Pope, faces a significant early test as his No. 19 Wildcats take on No. 6 Duke in the Champions Classic. Both teams have been performing well offensively, with Kentucky averaging 101.5 points per game and Duke 98. The game is seen as a crucial early-season indicator for both teams, with Duke slightly favored due to its returning backcourt and defensive edge. Key players include Kentucky's Koby Brea and Amari Williams, and Duke's freshmen Cooper Flagg and Kon Kneppel. The matchup is expected to be a high-scoring affair.
The Michigan State Spartans will face the Kansas Jayhawks in the Champions Classic on Tuesday night in Atlanta. Both teams are undefeated this season, with Michigan State showing promise in their first two games and Kansas securing a win against North Carolina. This matchup marks the 11th meeting between the two teams, each having won five games in the series. The game will be broadcast on ESPN at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Kentucky Wildcats are set to face Bucknell Bison at Rupp Arena before their high-profile matchup against Duke in the Champions Classic. The game, scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m. ET, will be broadcast on SEC Network+. Kentucky, ranked No. 23, aims to maintain momentum after a strong season opener against Wright State. Bucknell, led by standout center Noah Williamson, presents a challenge with their veteran lineup. The Wildcats must focus on this game before turning their attention to the upcoming clash with Duke.
The 2023 Champions Classic showcased several NBA Draft prospects, with Reed Sheppard of Kentucky impressing with his defensive skills and shooting ability, while Rob Dillingham stood out for his speed and playmaking. Caleb Foster of Duke made crucial 3-pointers in the second half, while Adou Thiero of Kentucky showed his versatility and toughness. Tyrese Proctor of Duke had a mixed performance, excelling defensively but struggling with his shooting. Kyle Filipowski of Duke displayed offensive prowess but needs to improve his passing and defense. Justin Edwards of Kentucky had a quiet night, while D.J. Wagner struggled with his shooting and decision-making.
Duke's Caleb Foster and Kansas' Hunter Dickinson stood out in the State Farm Champions Classic, with Foster leading Duke to victory with 18 points and impressive all-around play, while Dickinson recorded a game-high 27 points and 21 rebounds, setting a new Champions Classic record. NBA scouts were in attendance, closely watching the performances of these and other top college basketball players.
Kentucky showed promise in their loss to Kansas, with freshmen guards Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard outplaying their heralded starters and displaying potential for a strong season. Kansas' Dajuan Harris proved to be a shooting threat, adding depth to the team's offense. Duke's Caleb Foster had a breakout performance off the bench, providing scoring and floor-spacing for the Blue Devils. Michigan State's Tyson Walker needs more scoring help for the team to reach its potential.