New York City, New York,
For the first time in the history of college basketball, the preseason AP top 4 teams shared the same court for what turned into a Final Four type atmosphere.
The night started with a bang as the Duke Blue Devils defeated the Kansas Jayhawks 68-66. This game was ugly and a grindfest between two great teams.
For Kansas, the Jayhawks had 28 turnovers and only 23 made baskets. With a stat line like that, Kansas fans have to be happy to only lose to a good Duke team by two points.
On the positive side, the Jayhawks outrebounded the Blue Devils 40-30 on the game which was a huge factor in keeping Kansas in the game.
For Duke, the Blue Devils have to be feeling good after starting the post-Zion era, with a two-point win over Kansas.
Unlike last season, Duke is without a true superstar. This year the leadership will come from a gritty sophomore point guard in Tre Jones. Jones led the Blue Devils with 15 points.
Kentucky and Michigan State met as two heavyweight boxers looking for a knockout. In the end, it was the Kentucky Wildcats with a knockout punch of 69-62 over the Spartans.
The Wildcats were led by Tyrese Maxey, who scored 26 points in his debut as a Wildcat, including a clutch three-pointer with just one minute left on the game clock.
"I wanted him to come in firing," Calipari said.
If you're Kentucky, you're going to be happy with the knockout punch to start the season off with a bang.
For Michigan State, despite the loss, Cassius Winston was a complete beast putting up 21 points. This guard is one of the best in the country and will lead the Spartans to great places this season.
The Champions Classic was something that fans across the country will remember for a long time. From the history-making of the top four teams being in one building for the first time in college basketball to the heart-stopping action in Madison Square Garden. Tuesday night was a night for celebration for the college basketball world.
College Basketball fans are in for a real treat this season, so sit back and enjoy the ride to Atlanta!