The Champions Classic delivered thrilling matchups in college basketball, with No. 1 Kansas and Kentucky both securing wins against Michigan State and Duke, respectively. Kansas triumphed 77-69, led by a dominant performance from Hunter Dickinson, who recorded 28 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Kentucky overcame a 10-point deficit to defeat Duke, 77-72, showcasing a new offensive strategy and resilience under pressure. Dickinson’s success also marked a historic milestone for Kansas head coach Bill Self, who achieved his 591st career win, becoming the school's winningest coach.

By the Numbers
  • Hunter Dickinson scored 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for Kansas.
  • Kentucky's Andrew Carr and Otega Oweh combined for 12 of the Wildcats' final 13 points.
State of Play
  • Kansas remains undefeated at 3-0, but struggles with perimeter shooting persist.
  • Kentucky showed depth, with six players scoring at least eight points amidst varying individual performances.
What's Next

Both Kansas and Kentucky will look to build on their confidence as they continue their seasons. Kansas needs to address its shooting inconsistencies, while Kentucky will aim to maintain its momentum under head coach Mark Pope.

Bottom Line

Hunter Dickinson's impressive performance not only propelled Kansas to victory, but also highlighted the impact of experienced leadership in a high-stakes environment. As teams adapt to their early-season challenges, these games set the stage for an exciting and competitive college basketball season ahead.