Duke basketball game against Kentucky confirmed for late-night tip-off

Duke’s basketball game against Kentucky will be the night game at the State Farm Champions Classic after an official Thursday announcement.

Duke basketball’s non-conference battle against the Kentucky Wildcats got an official time on Thursday.

The game will tip off at 9:00 p.m. on November 12, the second game in this year’s State Farm Champions Classic.

This year’s edition of the cross-conference rivalry will fully usher in a new era for both programs. The Blue Devils have played Kentucky four times since 2012, but the storied programs haven’t battled since the 2021-22 season. That means that, for the first time in more than a decade, this rivalry won’t feature Mike Krzyzewski or John Calipari on either sideline.

Duke has won three of its last four games against the Wildcats, including a 79-71 victory in their last contest. Paolo Banchero, the most recent No. 1 NBA draft pick in school history, scored 22 points in his collegiate debut.

Kansas and Michigan State will face off in the early game at 6:30 p.m. Both games will be played at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.