BY TRISTAN SASSE
In a match between the two winningest programs in college basketball history, the No. 4 Kansas Jayhawks faced the No. 7 Kentucky Wildcats in the ESPN Champions Classic from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Entering November 14, the Wildcats led the all-time head-to-head series 22-8. In a close game throughout, KU prevailed in the end, beating Kentucky for the third straight time, 65-61.
Game Recap
The Jayhawks stormed out to an early 18-7 lead, with threes from Malik Newman, Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, and Lagerald Vick. Kentucky trimmed the double-digit lead with a 13-5 run to pull within three midway through the half, at 23-20. With 6:12 remaining in the half, the game was tied at 28. Kansas went into halftime leading 34-33.
The Wildcats outshot the Jayhawks in the first half, 45.8% to 34.2%, but Kansas outrebounded Kentucky, 24-13, which appeared to be the difference. 15 of KU’s 24 rebounds were on the offensive end in the opening half.
In a back and forth battle, KU led 45-43 with 11:49 to play. Kansas pulled out to a 51-45 advantage shortly after due to multiple Kentucky turnovers. The Wildcats tied the game at 55 with 4:32 remaining.
The Jayhawks responded with a run of their own, and after a Newman three, KU led 61-57 with 2:09 left. With just under two minutes remaining, Kentucky narrowed the margin to two. With 33.6 remaining, Kansas led 61-59. After a Kentucky miss, the Wildcats fouled and Newman made a pair of free throws. Kentucky’s Sacha Killeya-Jones trimmed the lead to two with eight seconds left. On the ensuing play, Kentucky fouled Devonte’ Graham and he made both free throws in the closing seconds. KU held on to win, 65-61.
Overall, Kentucky shot 41.8% from the field, while Kansas was held to 35.3%; however, the Jayhawks attempted 13 more shots due to 18 offensive rebounds. KU also forced 18 turnovers, including 12 steals.
By the Numbers
For the Jayhawks, Mykhailiuk had 17 points. Udoka Azubuike added 13 points and eight rebounds, while Newman had 12 points and nine rebounds. Graham had 11 points and five assists, but struggled from the field shooting 3-of-14 to go along with five turnovers. Vick finished with a well-rounded game, totaling nine points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
Leading the Wildcats was Kevin Knox with 20 points and seven rebounds. Hamidou Diallo contributed 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Killeya-Jones came off the bench for eight points and nine rebounds.
Looking Ahead
Kansas (2-0) will return to Allen Fieldhouse to face the South Dakota State Jackrabbits (3-0) on Friday, November 17. Kentucky (2-1) will also play Friday and host the East Tennessee State Buccaneers (1-1).