Duke outlasted Kansas in a game that was sloppy on both ends. The 2019 Champions Classic first game was played by two talented teams that both looked and played like it was their first game of the season. Duke brought in much less experience than Kansas but for most of the game, it didn’t seem like it.
The first half was sloppy for both teams with Kansas committing 18 turnovers and Duke shooting 38 percent from the field. Duke did a nice job on defense icing lots of ball screens and shading Kansas to one side of the court. Kansas struggled with travels by their big men and threw the ball away on other possessions. When they did get shots up they scored fairly well but they finished with nearly as many turnovers (18) as field goal attempts (21).
Good to see Udoka Azubuike healthy again! ?
Cc: @KUHoops pic.twitter.com/dESuFQ4AFG
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) November 6, 2019
Devon Dotson led the Jayhawks in the first half of the Champions Classic first game with nine points at halftime. His counterpart Tre Jones led Duke with eight points and forced numerous turnovers. This was the matchup many were looking forward to in this game as both are ALl-American candidates and preseason Bob Cousy award nominees.
Kansas only trailed by three at halftime and were lucky to be down only that based on their play.
Kansas began the first half on a run as they were able to limit their turnovers. For an eight-minute stretch to start the half they kept the turnovers to a minimum and held control of the game. Duke finally settled in keeping the Jayhawks within the distance as Kansas was able to gain the largest lead of either team in the game at nine. The Jayhawks caught the turnover bug again allowing Duke to reclaim a lead.
From there the game was a back and forth affair with each team trading leads throughout the second half. Dotson was able to get to the rim at will down the stretch while Duke freshman Matthew Hurt knocked down big threes for Duke. Freshman Cassius Stanley was also impressive in the second half throwing down a pair fast-break dunks and knocking down a corner three was a huge reason Kansas didn’t run away from Duke.
Here.
Comes.
Duke. ?@cassius_stanley brings the Blue Devils some momentum! ?pic.twitter.com/g1hHIBsW9V— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) November 6, 2019
The game came down to the final minute with Kansas down just one with an opportunity to take the lead. They once again turned it over, their 28th of the night before Tre Jones iced the game away with free throws.
Duke starts the year 1-0 with a win that should be great for the resume come Selection Sunday. While Kansas will get a chance to redeem themselves when they head out to Maui where a potential matchup with Michigan State will await.
