Champions Classic: Dream Doubleheader Doesn't Disappoint

Published on 15-Nov-2017 by J Square Humboldt

Basketball - NCAA Mens    NCAA Basketball Daily Update

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Champions Classic: Dream Doubleheader Doesn't Disappoint

Yes, college football and basketball have very different circumstances.

But still, after a totally entertaining Champions Classic in Chicago, one can't help but wonder.

Would an expanded College Football Playoff set the stage for quality non-cons like this?

Roughly half a hoops season needs to consist of non-cons, and since Division I got the hint a few years ago that quality games count more, we've seen more big-time matchups like this dynamic doubleheader.

In the first game, everyone's favorite hardwood villain -- Grayson Allen and his occasional happy feet -- scorched the scoreboard for 37 points as Duke continued its mastery over Michigan State with an 88-81 final:

Incredibly, as consistently elite as the Spartans are, Mike Krzyzewski & Co are 11-1 against them.

It wouldn't be a surprise to see State take another run at the Dookies in March.

Much has been make that John Calipari performed a miracle this season. Who really thought one of his Kentucky Wildcats squads could get any younger?

But they did, and the already-seasoned Kansas Jayhawks wound up getting all they could handle before prevailing, 65-61.

That's a huge turnaround from their Champions clash in 2014. The Wildcats smashed Kansas, 72-40.

This was the seventh Champions Classic, which has shown during its run just how even these programs are:

  • Duke 4-3
  • Kentucky 4-3
  • Michigan State 3-4
  • Kansas 3-4

Next year, the show moves to Indianapolis, where the pairings will be Duke-Kentucky and Kansas-Michigan State. After that, it'll be on to Madison Square Garden in 2019.