Duke vs. Kentucky score: Wildcats beat Blue Devils for first time since 2015 with upset at Champions Classic

Mark Pope earns signature victory with upset of No. 6 Duke in just his third game as UK coach

No. 19 Kentucky defeated No. 6 Duke 77-72 Tuesday in the second game of the Champions Classic. The Wildcats overcame a 10-point first half deficit to secure the first signature win for first-year coach Mark Pope. Kentucky (3-0) had lost eight of its last 10 matchups against Duke (2-1) coming into the game and had not won vs. the Blue Devils since 2015.

Kentucky guard Otega Oweh recorded a steal with less than 30 seconds remaining and knocked down two go-ahead free throws with 10 seconds left to seal the win. Kentucky recorded an offensive rebound after Butler missed the second free throw with 0.5 seconds left. Kentucky forward Andrew Carr scored a team-high 17 points, and six different Kentucky players scored at least eight points.  

Duke freshman Cooper Flagg recorded 26 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and two blocks in his third game of his college career, but turned the ball over twice in the final minute of the game while guarded by Oweh.

CBS Sports was here with you throughout the evening with updates, highlights and analysis. Read on below for takeaways from Kentucky's victory vs. Duke in the Champions Classic. 

[Nov 12, 2024 at 11:51 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

The final minute can be a learning lesson for Cooper Flagg

The final minute of Duke's loss to Kentucky can be a learning lesson for the young freshman. Duke deferred to him down the stretch to create his shot and get a bucket. Flagg turned the ball over twice, which ultimately led to Kentucky being able to ice the game at the free throw line. If the two turnovers weren't costly enough, Kentucky snagged an offensive rebound after a missed free throw by Lamont Butler with less than five seconds remaining to put the game away for good. Flagg recorded 26 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks, and scored 14 after the intermission. If this was your first time watching Flagg, it probably affirmed the belief (if you're an fan of a tanking NBA team) that you hope the lottery balls go in your favor in May.

[Nov 12, 2024 at 11:47 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Kentucky's balanced scoring attack was on full display

Six Kentucky players scored at least eight points in the 77-72 win over Duke. Forward Andrew Carr scored a team-high 17 points, and Otega Oweh added 15. Oweh made two of the biggest plays on the defensive end while guarding Cooper Flagg in the final moments. Kentucky finished 10 of 25 from the 3-point line after starting the game by making its first five shots from beyond the arc. Pope's system emphasizes 3-point shooting, and that was on full display. The Wildcats don't have blue-chip prospects or five-star first-year players on the roster like previous Kentucky teams did under Calipari. The success can be sustainable because it's balanced. If you're a Kentucky fan, that has to be refreshing.

[Nov 12, 2024 at 11:40 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Mark Pope gets a signature win at his alma mater

FINAL: No. 19 Kentucky 77, No. 6 Duke 72

When John Calipari left the Kentucky program hours before the national title game this past April, there was a sense of uncertainty about who would get tabbed to replace one of the most accomplished coaches in college basketball history. While it may only be three games into the season, Kentucky nailed this coaching hire. Kentucky looks rejuvenated, and the credit should go to Pope. He had to rebuild a roster from the ground up after every single scholarship player left the program following Calipari's exit. This version of Kentucky isn't full of blue-chip prospects or future NBA lottery picks like it was when Calipari was roaming the sidelines, but this group is built to win. That experience was on full display in the second half against Duke.

[Nov 12, 2024 at 11:33 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Kentucky beats Duke in a thriller

FINAL: No. 19 Kentucky 77, No. 6 Duke 72

No. 19 Kentucky defeated No. 6 Duke 77-72 Tuesday in the second game of the Champions Classic. The Wildcats overcame a 10-point first half deficit to secure the first marquee win for first-year coach Mark Pope. Kentucky had lost eight of its last 10 matchups against Duke coming into the week.

Kentucky guard Otega Oweh recorded a steal with less than 30 seconds remaining and knocked down two go-ahead free throws with 10 seconds left to seal the win. Kentucky recorded an offensive rebound after Butler missed the second free throw with 0.5 seconds left. Kentucky forward Andrew Carr scored a team-high 17 points, and six different Kentucky players scored at least eight points.

Duke freshman Cooper Flagg recorded 26 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and two blocks in his third game of his college career. Flagg turned the ball over twice in the final minute of regulation while guarded by Oweh.

[Nov 12, 2024 at 11:13 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Kentucky has the lead

LATE 2H: No. 19 Kentucky 69, No. 6 Duke 67

Kentucky just took its first lead since 13:51 remaining in the first half after Carr's layup. Kentucky leads 69-67 with 2:16 left.

[Nov 12, 2024 at 11:07 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

This game is going down to the wire

MID 2H: No. 6 Duke 67, No. 19 Kentucky 66

This game has been electric. Kentucky guard Kerr Kriisa knocked down a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to one point. The Blue Devils have missed nine of their last 10 field goals. Duke hasn't made a field goal in over three minutes. That will need to change for Duke to close this game out.

Carr will have a chance to tie the game at the free throw line coming out of the media timeout.

[Nov 12, 2024 at 10:58 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Sion James out

MID 2H: No. 6 Duke 63, No. 19 Kentucky 61

The ESPN broadcast just announced that Duke guard Sion James won't return tonight due to a shoulder injury. Khaman Maluach is questionable to return. Kentucky cut the deficit to two right before the media timeout. Duke has missed six of its last seven shots.

[Nov 12, 2024 at 10:55 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Kentucky is fighting back

MID 2H: No. 6 Duke 61, No. 19 Kentucky 57

This game has lived up to the hype. Every time Duke goes on a mini-run, Kentucky has responded. Five different Kentucky players have scored at least eight points. Carr has a team-high 11 points, while Amari Williams has 10. Flagg has 17 points on 6 of 14 shooting for the Blue Devils.

[Nov 12, 2024 at 10:46 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Two key injuries for Duke

EARLY 2H: No. 6 Duke 56, No. 19 Kentucky 52

Duke center Khaman Maluach went to the bench with what appeared to be a knee injury. Minutes later, Sion James exited with an apparent right shoulder injury after he fell to the ground off a hard screen. The Blue Devils haven't scored in over two minutes and have missed their last five field goal attempts.

The broadcast just showed James heading to the locker room. Maluach checked into the game briefly, but he's now back on the bench.

[Nov 12, 2024 at 10:32 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Good start to the half by Kentucky

EARLY 2H: No. 6 Duke 50, No. 19 Kentucky 44

Kentucky opened up the second half with a quick 5-0 run. The bad news? Lamont Butler, one of Kentucky's best on-ball defenders, just picked up his third foul and will head to the bench.

[Nov 12, 2024 at 10:26 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Second half is underway

Duke will get the ball first to start the period.

[Nov 12, 2024 at 10:06 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Duke leads Kentucky at halftime

HALF: No. 6 Duke 46, No. 19 Kentucky 37

No. 6 Duke leads No. 19 Kentucky 46-37 at halftime of the second leg of the Champions Classic. Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel each scored 12 points in the opening half, while Tyrese Proctor added 10. Kentucky started the game 5 of 5 from the 3-point line but missed eight straight attempts before Koby Brea ended the drought right before the final media timeout of the half. One of the biggest differences in this game has been the turnover differential. Duke turned the ball over once, while Kentucky turned it over seven times. Something else to monitor: Kentucky star guard Jaxson Robinson didn't attempt a field goal in the first half.

[Nov 12, 2024 at 9:54 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Koby Brea snaps Kentucky's drought

Late 1H: No. 6 Duke 36, No. 19 Kentucky 29

Before Kentucky forward Koby Brea knocked down a 3-pointer right before the media timeout, his team had missed its last eight 3-pointers after starting 5 of 5 from beyond the arc. Duke has only made 3 of 11 attempts from the 3-point line, but Proctor's shot moments ago gave Duke its largest lead (seven) of the night.

[Nov 12, 2024 at 9:44 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Duke is making adjustments

MID 1H: No. 6 Duke 28, No. 19 Kentucky 24

Kentucky has missed its last six 3-point field goal attempts after starting the game 5 of 5 from beyond the arc. The Wildcats' scoring drought is approaching three minutes and Duke is currently on a 7-0 run. Flagg has a game-high 12 points.

[Nov 12, 2024 at 9:31 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Kentucky's hot shooting start

MID 1H: No. 19 Kentucky 21, No. 6 Duke 19

Mark Pope's offensive philosophy emphasizes 3-point shooting, and his team has done just that thus far. The Wildcats started the game by making their first five 3-point field goals before missing the last two attempts. Four different Kentucky plays have made a 3-pointer. Flagg has a game-high eight points and is 3 of 5 from the floor.

[Nov 12, 2024 at 9:21 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Duke leads early

EARLY 1H: No. 6 Duke 11, No. 19 Kentucky 9

Duke guard Tyrese Proctor is off to a great start in this one. Proctor has a game-high seven points and has knocked down all three field goal attempts. Kentucky has made both of its 3-point field goal attempts, and this game is tracking to be high-scoring early. 

[Nov 12, 2024 at 9:15 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Duke strikes first

Really creative offensive set by Duke on its first offensive possession. The Blue Devils set a backscreen for Cooper Flagg and he finished at the rim off a lob. Duke is up 4-0 early.

[Nov 12, 2024 at 9:12 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Here we go

We are officially underway from Atlanta. Kentucky wins the tip. Here we go!

[Nov 12, 2024 at 9:09 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Starters for both teams

No. 6 Duke

• G: Caleb Foster
  
• G: Kon Knueppel 
• G: Tyrese Proctor
• F: Cooper Flagg
• C: Khaman Maluach

No. 19 Kentucky

• G: Lamont Butler
• G: Jaxson Robinson
• G: Otega Oweh
• F: Andrew Carr
• C: Amari Williams

[Nov 12, 2024 at 8:50 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

How did Cooper Flagg perform last week?

Flagg introduced himself to the country with two standout performances. Flagg might not be the top scorer on this list, but his impact stretches far beyond the box score. Flagg finished with three steals against Maine and recorded three blocks and two steals against Army. Flagg scored 18 points in his college debut and recorded the first double-double of his career (13 points, 11 rebounds) the following game. Flagg didn't play much in the second half against Maine due to cramping.

Tracking college basketball freshman debuts: How Cooper Flagg and other five-star recruits did in first game

Cameron Salerno

[Nov 12, 2024 at 8:30 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Kentucky enters new era with Mark Pope

For the first time in 15 years, someone other than John Calipari is roaming the sidelines in Lexington. That coach would be Mark Pope, who left his job at BYU to return to his alma mater to replace Calipari. The Wildcats opened with blowout wins over Wright State and Bucknell. Kentucky scored more than 100 points in each of its first two games.

Here are five things to know about Pope:

Kentucky to hire Mark Pope: Five things to know about BYU coach with deep Wildcats ties

Cameron Salerno

[Nov 12, 2024 at 8:15 pm ET · Kyle Boone]

Jon Scheyer frustrated with Duke coaches, support staff over Cooper Flagg's cramping

No. 6 Duke dominated Army West Point on Saturday with a herculean double-double effort from No. 1 recruit Cooper Flagg, who turned in 13 points and 11 rebounds in 25 productive minutes of action en route to a 100-58 win. Flagg did most of his damage in the first half to build a big lead but was curiously absent most of the second half, though, which after the game was attributed to Flagg cramping. 

"Yeah, we've got to help him," Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer said. "We've got to help him. I'm not happy about it, for him. We've got to help him -- and we will. Right after this, I can promise you I'm going to be meeting [with Duke's staff]. I don't care if it's all night. We can't have that happen, bottom line."

Jon Scheyer frustrated with Duke coaches, support staff over Cooper Flagg's cramping: 'We've got to help him'

Kyle Boone

[Nov 12, 2024 at 7:45 pm ET · Kyle Boone]

Who are the NBA Draft prospects to watch?

The annual Champions Classic featuring Kentucky, Kansas, Duke and Michigan State is one of the preeminent early-season college hoops events featuring NBAtalent from some of the top programs in the country. And this year's Classic scheduled for Tuesday night in Atlanta should be no exception, with potential No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and a number of other first-round prospects headlining a loaded field.

Duke's Cooper Flagg leads rankings of top 2025 NBA Draft prospects to watch in Champions Classic

Kyle Boone

[Nov 12, 2024 at 7:30 pm ET · David Cobb]

Overreactions from opening week ... did Kentucky win the breakup?

There is one key stat that tells the story of why Kentucky is out to an early lead on Arkansas in the John Calipari breakup battle. In the Wildcats' 103-62 season-opening win over Wright State, 30 of their 39 baskets came on assists. While many of those buckets came in transition, UK also looked better running its half court offense than Arkansas did in its opener. 

The Razorbacks needed a 14-1 late run to pull away from Lipscomb in a 76-60 win on Wednesday to open Calipari's tenure. Just 10 of their 34 made came on assists as Arkansas struggled to a 4-of-19 performance from beyond the arc. Kentucky looked like an actual team in its first game under Mark Pope. Arkansas merely looked like a collection of talent in its debut under Calipari. There's plenty of time for things to change. But if we're overreacting to a one-game sample size, then Kentucky is winning the breakup battle so far. 

Dribble Handoff: Kentucky looks impressive and other overreactions to college basketball's opening week

David Cobb

[Nov 12, 2024 at 7:15 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Duke vs. Kentucky prediction

Kentucky has scored at least 100 points in its first two games. Pope brings a fun style of offense to Lexington that emphasizes 3-point shooting. While Kentucky has a more experienced lineup, Duke has a more talented roster. This is a measuring stick for both programs, and it will also be the first time some college basketball fans get their first glimpse of Flagg. Duke makes a statement with a big win over Kentucky. Pick: Duke -6.5

Duke vs. Kentucky live stream, where to watch Champion Classic, TV channel, odds, spread, prediction, pick

Cameron Salerno