No. 24 Kentucky will play No. 15 Kansas at the Champions Classic in Chicago on Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. ET, marking the Wildcats’ first road game of the season. Both teams enter the matchup with 2-0 records.
Champions Classic Matchup in Chicago
The Wildcats head to the United Center after securing two home victories to open their campaign. Kentucky rolled past Manhattan 85-57 in its opener, shooting 53.3 percent from the floor. Milan Momcilovic paced the offense with 24 points after hitting six of nine three-point attempts.
In their second outing, the Wildcats edged James Madison 89-80 on Friday. Five players scored in double figures during the win, led by Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins with 16 points each. Wilkins also added seven steals and five assists, while Justin McBride contributed 13 points against his former team.
Jayhawks Open Strong Under Self
Kansas enters the marquee neutral-site contest following a pair of dominant home victories. The Jayhawks opened with a 95-65 win over Fordham, powered by 22 points from Tre White. Tyran Stokes and Leroy Blyden chipped in 15 points apiece.
On Friday, Kansas cruised past Middle Tennessee 89-44. Trey Kaufman-Renn led the charge with 17 points, while the bench contributed 46 points in the blowout.
Pope Praises Coaching Rival
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope offered high praise for Kansas head man Bill Self ahead of the primetime showdown.
Bill has been an incredible leader there,
Pope said. I think for these great coaches, one of the things that you notice with him is he’s been able to evolve and reinvent himself over and over and over again as the game and the situation and the sways in his experience have changed.
We’re going to go compete,
Pope said.
This group loves to compete, and they love to do it together.
Tuesday’s doubleheader in Chicago begins with Duke facing Michigan State at 7 p.m. ET before Kentucky and Kansas take the floor.
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