New-Look Kentucky Shows Quick Growth in Win Over Duke

Kon Knueppel #7 of the Duke Blue Devils draws a foul as he drives against Lamont Butler #1 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half of the State Farm Champions Classic between the Kentucky Wildcats and Duke Blue Devils at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Nov. 12, 2024. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

A new-look No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats squad rallied to beat the No. 6 Duke Blue Devils 77–72 at the State Farm Champions Classic on Tuesday in Atlanta.

“Give Kentucky credit for the plays they made,” Duke head coach John Scheyer told reporters afterward. “I think they showed incredible maturity, and their experience came on in that second half. For us it’s disappointing because you’re winning for 27 minutes, and our guys competed.”