In a highly-anticipated matchup at the Champions Classic in Chicago, the No. 17 Kentucky Wildcats faced off against the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks on Tuesday night. Although Kentucky was considered the underdog due to Kansas’ size and experience advantage, the Cats put up a strong fight until the very end. In the end, the Jayhawks emerged victorious with a final score of 89-84.
Antonio Reeves, a Chicago native, had an impressive performance for Kentucky, contributing 24 points to the team’s effort. Freshman Rob Dillingham also stood out with 18 points, while sophomore Adou Thiero recorded career highs in both points (16) and rebounds (13). Freshman Reed Sheppard added 13 points and four steals to the Cats’ stat line.
Kansas started the game strong, taking an early 11-3 lead. However, Kentucky quickly responded with eight consecutive points, including six from Mitchell, to tie the game at 11-11. After a brief back-and-forth, a pair of three-pointers from Sheppard gave the Cats a 17-16 lead. Kansas managed to regain the lead with a 5-0 run, but Dillingham’s four consecutive three-pointers turned the tide in Kentucky’s favor, granting them a 33-30 lead. Reeves then added another three-pointer to extend the Cats’ lead and force a Kansas timeout.
Throughout the game, both teams battled fiercely. Kansas fought back and reduced Kentucky’s lead to 37-34. However, Thiero’s six consecutive points pushed the Cats ahead 43-34 with 2:25 left in the first half. This sparked an 11-2 run that concluded with Kentucky holding a 48-36 lead at halftime, largely driven by Dillingham’s 16 first-half points.
After halftime, Kentucky’s strong performance continued as they opened the second half with a 5-0 run, giving them a 53-41 advantage. Kansas managed to narrow the gap to nine points, 53-44, before Reeves’ three-pointer and layup extended Kentucky’s lead to 58-44. However, as the Cats struggled to find their shooting touch, Kansas capitalized on their opportunity and went on a 16-2 run, taking a 65-62 lead with 10:53 remaining.
Despite the setback, Kentucky persevered. Reeves tied the game at 65-65 with a three-pointer, and Sheppard’s free throws gave the Cats a 67-65 lead. Kansas fought back once again, taking a 70-67 lead before Sheppard hit another three-pointer to level the score at 70-70 with 8:36 left on the clock.
With the game hanging in the balance, Thiero’s free throw gave Kentucky a slim 71-70 lead with 7:18 remaining. Kansas quickly regained the advantage with a layup from KJ Adams, but Thiero’s putback secured a 73-72 Cats lead. The game continued to ebb and flow as Kentucky held onto a 76-72 advantage after Reeves’ fast break layup and subsequent free throw.
Kansas turned up the heat, mounting a 10-2 run and snatching an 85-83 lead with just over two minutes remaining. Although Kentucky fought valiantly, Mitchell’s free throw cut Kansas’ lead to 85-84 with 1:33 left on the clock. However, a basket from Hunter Dickinson put Kansas up by three points with 1:13 remaining.
Despite Reeves’ attempts to tie the game with a pair of three-pointers, luck was not with the Cats as neither shot found its mark. Kentucky’s defense managed to get a crucial stop, but they were unable to create a good scoring opportunity. Kansas secured the rebound and converted a pair of free throws with five seconds left, sealing their 89-84 victory.
Dominating the stat sheet for Kansas was Hunter Dickinson, who delivered an outstanding performance with 27 points and an astonishing 23 rebounds.
Kentucky will look to bounce back in their next game, hosting Stonehill at Rupp Arena on Friday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on SEC Network Plus.
