In a highly anticipated showdown, No. 19 Kentucky emerged victorious over No. 6 Duke in a thrilling 77-72 victory at the Champions Classic on Tuesday night. The game came down to the wire, with Otega Oweh's clutch free throws sealing the win for the Wildcats.
Despite a valiant effort from Duke, highlighted by Cooper Flagg's 26-point performance, the Blue Devils fell just short in the closing moments. Flagg's crucial turnovers in the final minute proved costly, allowing Kentucky to secure the win.
Andrew Carr led the way for Kentucky with 17 points, while Oweh's 15-point contribution was instrumental in the team's success. The Wildcats showcased their depth with a balanced scoring effort, as multiple players made significant contributions on the scoresheet.
For Duke, the inability to convert from beyond the arc proved to be a key factor in their defeat. Shooting just 4 of 23 from 3-point range, the Blue Devils struggled to keep pace with Kentucky's more efficient shooting from long range.
The victory marked a significant milestone for Kentucky's head coach Mark Pope, who secured a marquee win early in his coaching tenure at the university. The former Kentucky player returned to his alma mater with a statement victory over a top-ranked opponent.
Looking ahead, Duke will aim to bounce back as they face Wofford in their next matchup, while Kentucky will seek to build on their momentum as they host Lipscomb in the upcoming game.
Overall, the matchup between Kentucky and Duke lived up to its billing, providing fans with a thrilling contest that showcased the talent and competitiveness of both teams.
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