By JB Ellis
The 2024 Champions Classic, held at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, featured two highly anticipated college basketball matchups.
Game 1: Kansas vs. Michigan State
No. 1 Kansas defeated Michigan State 87-74, advancing to a 3-0 season record. Hunter Dickinson led Kansas with a dominant 28-point, 14-rebound performance. Supported by Dajuan Harris Jr.‘s 13 assists, Kansas executed an efficient offense, showcasing why they’re a national title favorite. Despite Michigan State’s A.J. Hoggard’s valiant 20-point effort, the Spartans dropped to 1-2, struggling to match Kansas’s depth and high-energy play .
Game 2: Kentucky vs. Duke
In the night’s closer, No. 19 Kentucky pulled off a thrilling 70-67 victory over No. 6 Duke, bringing their record to 2-0. Kentucky’s DJ Wagner stood out with 18 points, including key baskets that helped seal the win. Tre Johnson also contributed effectively, underscoring Kentucky’s potential with their young roster. Duke’s Kyle Filipowski led his team with 18 points, but their late-game attempts fell short. Duke, now 2-1, was stifled by Kentucky’s strategic defensive adjustments in the closing minutes ason opener illustrated Kansas’s championship caliber and Kentucky’s potential to surprise, while Michigan State and Duke aim to recalibrate in their respective conferences.