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

Nov 6, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari talks with guard Tyler Ulis (3), guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) and guard Jamal Murray (23) during the game against the Kentucky State Thorobreds in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Kentucky State 111-58. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Why Kentucky Will Win

If Kentucky is going to knock off Duke, its going to have to do so by channeling its SEC roots and playing top-notch defense.

The Wildcats managed to hold Albany and NJIT to a paltry 18.2 percent from three — combined.

But Duke is a different beast entirely.

The Blue Devils can flat out shoot the ball, and if you allow their hot hands to get in a rhythm — be prepared for a long night.

Jamal Murray, Isaiah Briscoe, Tyler Ulis and Co. will need to suffocate the shooting lanes, anticipate rotations and close out on shooters to allow fast break opportunities for big guys Skal Labissiere and Marcus Lee.

Both teams do an excellent job at snagging offensive boards, but keeping Amile Jefferson and Marshall Plumlee from crashing the glass could be key to a Kentucky victory.

Next: X-factors