Kentucky struggles against Kansas, while Michigan State tops Duke in Champions Classic
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 11, 2026, 5:22 AM
Last updated Nov 11, 2026
In the 2026 Champions Classic, No. 14 Kansas dominated Kentucky, leading to further scrutiny on coach Mark Pope as the Wildcats struggled in all phases of the game. Kenneth Stokes impressed, scoring 23 points and gathering 10 rebounds for Kansas. No. 5 Michigan State also shone, beating No. 2 Duke, propelled by 18 points and 11 assists from Jeremy Fears Jr. The match revealed a lack of a clear leader for Duke, raising concerns about their title aspirations. The performance outcomes set the tone for the season ahead.
- •Kentucky lost by 20 points to Kansas in Champions Classic.
- •Mark Pope faces pressure after poor team performance.
- •Kenneth Stokes recorded 23 points and 10 rebounds.
- •Michigan State defeated Duke with a strong team effort.
- •Jeremy Fears Jr. contributed 18 points and 11 assists.
- 5:22 AMYahoo Sports — Mark Pope is in trouble and Jeremy Fears Jr. is unwordly: Champions Classic takeaways
"Mark Pope needed a win, but his seat only got hotter after Kentucky's ugly showing against Kansas in the 2026 Champions Classic.
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