Big Blue Preview: Kentucky vs. Duke: A Rivalry Renewed

A Historic Rivalry Renewed

The Kentucky Wildcats and Duke Blue Devils are two of the most storied programs in college basketball history. The two schools have met 117 times, with Kentucky holding a 63-54 advantage. The rivalry has been particularly heated in recent years, with the two teams meeting in the NCAA Tournament in 2012, 2014, and 2015. Kentucky won the first two meetings, but Duke won the most recent matchup in 2015.

The Matchup

This year's game is scheduled for Tuesday, December 7th at the United Center in Chicago. The game will be televised on ESPN at 9:30 p.m. ET. Kentucky is ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll, while Duke is ranked No. 2. The Wildcats are led by a trio of freshmen: Hamidou Diallo, Kevin Knox, and P.J. Washington. Diallo is a 6'5" wing who is averaging 14.4 points per game. Knox is a 6'9" forward who is averaging 13.4 points per game. Washington is a 6'8" forward who is averaging 12.4 points per game.

The Blue Devils are led by a pair of sophomores: Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett. Williamson is a 6'7" forward who is averaging 22.2 points per game. Barrett is a 6'7" forward who is averaging 21.9 points per game. The Blue Devils also have a strong supporting cast, including senior guard Tre Jones and junior forward Javin DeLaurier.

The Keys to the Game

The key to the game for Kentucky will be to contain Williamson and Barrett. The Wildcats will need to limit the two sophomores from getting easy baskets. Kentucky will also need to win the rebounding battle. Duke is a much bigger team than Kentucky, so the Wildcats will need to box out and crash the boards.

The key to the game for Duke will be to make shots from the outside. The Blue Devils are not a great three-point shooting team, but they will need to make some shots from deep to open up the floor for Williamson and Barrett. Duke will also need to play solid defense. Kentucky is a very athletic team, so the Blue Devils will need to be disciplined on defense to prevent the Wildcats from getting easy baskets.

The Prediction

This is a very difficult game to predict. Both teams are very talented and well-coached. I think the game will come down to the wire, but I ultimately think Kentucky will win. The Wildcats have more experience and depth than Duke, and I think that will be the difference in the game.