Duke vs. Kentucky: Who wins position battles in 2018 Champions Classic?

The Kentucky Wildcats and Duke Blue Devils pose some great matchups in the Champions Classic. Here’s a look at the key matchups heading into Tuesday night.

Point guard: Quade Green vs. Tre Jones

The Kentucky Wildcats have experience on their side in 2018-19 and it starts in the backcourt with point guard Quade Green. Green produced 9.3 points, 2.7 assists and 1.8 assists per contest through 34 appearances for the Wildcats last season.

He was a key contributor mostly off the bench last season for Kentucky, but as a holdover from 2017-18, his experience and 3-point shooting ability should give the Wildcats reason to be excited. The 6-foot guard returns as their best 3-point shooter from a year ago. He shot 37.6 percent from 3-point range and made 41 3-pointers last year, third on the team.

Jones was a five-star recruit coming out of high school and is the brother of former Blue Devil, Tyus. He’s shown poise as Duke’s floor general in the early going. He’s dished out 18 assists through two exhibition games for the Blue Devils so far.

He has a knack for finding his playmakers and that will be on full display in their season opener against the Wildcats. He’ll need to show he can defend another quality guard though in Green. Green will have experience on his side, as well as his own slew of top-rated recruits to play with.

Edge: Green