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Couches burned in Lexington after the Kentucky basketball team upset Duke in the Champions Classic. Overcoming a nine-point halftime deficit, the Wildcats silenced the Blue Devils’ unrelenting smack-talk.
The highly anticipated matchup certainly delivered, kicking the college basketball season off with a bang. Many believed that Cooper Flagg and the sixth-ranked Blue Devils would emerge victorious. After 20 minutes of play, that appeared to be the case.
Kentucky stormed back, however, erasing that early disadvantage despite the opposing fanbase’s best efforts. Duke supporters were heard mocking Wildcat players from the stands, Kerr Kriisa in particular.
The Estonian donned a slick mustache ahead of the primetime contest, which the Blue Devils ridiculed while he was on the court. “I had these Duke people talking crazy to me all game about the ‘stache,” he said after the win. “When I went to talk to them after the game, they left!”
“I had these Duke people talking crazy to me all game about the ‘stache, and then when I went to talk to them after the game, they left! So, if you’re that Duke fan… the ‘stache did the work” — @KerrKriisa https://t.co/4sjHNMCj2V pic.twitter.com/3FI5ZbyxmY
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) November 13, 2024
It was far from the only trash talk experienced by the Kentucky side. Prior to the matchup, the Duke locker room was heard chanting, “They can’t play with us” as the teams got ready to take the court. It quickly backfired!
The Blue Devils erupted for 46 first half points to build a 46-37 lead. Freshman phenom Cooper Flagg led the team with a 26-point, 12-board double-double. Unfortunately, late game mistakes by the youngster sealed Duke’s fate.
Flagg turned the ball over on his last two possessions, and he was unable to box out a Wildcat defender on a key missed free throw in the final seconds. Kentucky’s ensuing offensive rebound all but ended the game.
It’s the little things man, should’ve been the most basic box out for Cooper Flagg and would’ve given Duke one more chance.
Hats off to Oweh for the effort. pic.twitter.com/5sVkYSmxUm
— Karl Townes (@Karl_Townes) November 13, 2024
When the clock hit 0:00, Kentucky got the last laugh. A party soon followed in Lexington!
Those that didn’t make the trip to the arena were seen celebrating in the city streets. Couches were lit on fire to commemorate the upset victory. Is Kentucky basketball back? Some are saying so!
We have fire in Lexington pic.twitter.com/DMeGq5ll1A
— BleedBlueJoe (@WildcatsJoe14) November 13, 2024
The Wildcats moved to 3-0 on the season while picking up their first signature win of the Mark Pope era. Duke, meanwhile, fell to 2-1 as they prep for a matchup against Wofford on Saturday afternoon.