College basketball fans tuned in for what was expected to be the game of the year between the Kentucky Wildcats and Duke Blue Devils. However, viewers instead witnessed a historical beatdown as the fourth-ranked Blue Devils routed the second-ranked Wildcats, 118-84.
Kentucky came into the game as a one point favorite while also holding the clear advantage in depth and experience. Duke, though, boasted the top-overall recruiting class that featured the top-three recruits.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s young team man-handled John Calipari’s second “platoon” team for all 40 minutes of action.
Duke out-hustled Kentucky in points in the paint, points off turnovers, forcing turnovers, offensive rebounds and fast break points.
For the Wildcats, Keldon Johnson and Reid Travis both eclipsed the 20-point mark. Johnson’s 23 points led the team while Travis’s 22 points came on just eight shot attempts.
For the Blue Devils, their trio of Cam Reddish, RJ Barrett and Zion Williamson combined for 83 of the team’s 118 points.
Tuesday night’s loss comes as statistically the worst during Calipari’s tenure with Kentucky. The Wildcats will have their chance at a rebound, though, as they host Southern Illinois on Friday.
Tip-off is set for 7 P.M. EDT at Rupp Arena.