SEC Basketball: Duke and Kentucky Clash in Champions Classic Tuesday Night

Nov 14, 2015; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Chase Jeter (2) reacts after forward Amile Jefferson (21) is fouled by the Bryant University Bulldogs at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

Why Duke Will Win

When you have no trouble scoring points, you’re typically going to win a lot of games. And this Duke team knows how to put the ball through the cylinder.

The Blue Devils have scored a combined 205 points in their first two games and are shooting 49.6 percent from the field. Simply put: if Duke is going to beat Kentucky Tuesday night, it’s because it’s having success from the perimeter.

Statistically speaking, these two teams are about as even as you can get — albeit they’ve only played two games apiece. But the Blue Devils have the clear edge shooting behind the arc. Duke is shooting 37.3 percent from three-point land; Kentucky has only managed 28.9 percent from deep.

If Derryck Thornton and Grayson Allen can get some penetration and the Blue Devils continue to pass the ball fluidly to get open looks on the outside, it could be a long night for the Wildcats’ defense.

If it turns into a three-point shooting contest, Duke wins — easily.

Next: Kentucky Wildcats