Kentucky vs. Duke Highlights Tuesday's Champions Classic

It’s been exactly three days since the college basketball season officially got underway and already some themes are beginning to emerge. There have been upsets, nail-biters and strong performances by preseason favorites during the weekend’s opening salvo of action.

The best is definitely yet to come however as this week’s action features a pair of big-time matchups for college hoops fans to salivate over. Here is a quick run-down of the two games, both of which take place on Tuesday at the United Center in Chicago for the Champions Classic.

Kentucky vs. Duke, 6:30 EST, ESPN

The game everyone wanted to see last March now takes place in November. And although the two teams look drastically different from the squads that headed to last season’s Final Four, there is no lack of intrigue or interest for this matchup.

Forgetting both sides’ position near the top of both major polls, the contrasts and similarities between coaches and players couldn’t be more enticing.

Coach John Calipari and Kentucky boast their usual lineup of stud newcomers. Freshmen Skal Labissiere and Jamal Murray have already paced the Wildcats to wins over Albany and NJIT to begin 2015-16.

Labissiere has been particularly impressive, knocking down 13-of-17 shots from the field, 9-of-10 from the free throw line and is averaging a team-leading 17.5 points.

Murray meanwhile is putting in 13.5 points per contest and has dished out a team-leading 10 assists. A third frosh, Isaiah Briscoe, also bears watching after averaging a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds in his first two collegiate games.

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As for Duke, coach Mike Krzyzewski’s Blue Devils have already seen sophomore high-flyer Grayson Allen build on his breakout showing at the Final Four by averaging 27 points in wins over Siena and Bryant. Allen has connected on 16-of-29 shots from the floor, gone 5-of-12 from three-point range, hit 17-of-18 free throws and appears well on his way to becoming a breakout star in 2015-16.

The Blue Devils also boast a big-time freshman contributor in Brandon Ingram. After going just 5-of-16 from the field against Siena, the Kinston, N.C. native went 7-of-11 from the field and scored 21 points against Bryant. Veteran Amile Jefferson has also had a strong start after scoring 19 points and grabbing 12 boards against the Saints.

How will Duke deal with Labissiere in the post? Can Allen continue his torrid start to the season? Which blue and white clad outfit will come out on top? Add it all up and the possibilities for an early season classic are off the charts.

Kansas vs. Michigan State, 9 p.m. EST, ESPN

The Kansas Jayhawks and Michigan State Spartans matchup for the third time in four years after Kansas’ 61-56 win at the Orlando Classic on Nov. 30 of last year.

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Coach Bill Self’s team piled up 109 points in their season-opening win over Northern Colorado and feature enough depth to present a young Spartans team with a big-time challenge.

Junior Brannen Greene paced a balanced attack for the Jayhawks, scoring 18 points as Kansas had five players score in double-figures against the Bears.

All eyes figure to be on the frontcourt duo of Perry Ellis and Wayne Selden versus the Spartans however. The talented pair combined for 31 points against Northern Colorado and should have a big-time impact on proceedings Tuesday.

Keep an eye on point guard Frank Mason III as well. After going for a near double-double of 11 points and nine assists against the Bears, how he matches up against Michigan State’s young back court will be a key to how things play out.

As for the Spartans, coach Tom Izzo’s team is in transition after losing the likes of Travis Trice and Branden Dawson from last year’s surprise Final Four entrant. With that said, Michigan State looked just fine in dispatching Florida Atlantic 82-55 over the weekend.

College Basketball: Kentucky vs. Duke Highlights Tuesday’s Champions Classic Matchups

By Matt Johnson | Nov 16, 2015