Chicago, IL – Kansas secured an 89-69 win over Kentucky in Tuesday night’s Champions Classic at the United Center in Chicago. The Jayhawks established a 46-36 halftime advantage before extending their lead to as many as 23 points in the second half. Despite Kentucky getting off to an early 10-5 lead after the tip, Kansas maintained control through efficient perimeter shooting, transition opportunities, and balanced offensive execution.
Kansas senior Tre White led all scorers with 30 points and added six rebounds in 34 minutes. The 6’7 wing delivered an efficient offensive performance converting on 11-of-16 field goal attempts including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. White connected on catch and shoot opportunities while also displaying some flair with a step back three on zero gap pressure. His length and activity in transition allowed him to gain an advantage ahead of the defense including multiple finishes at the rim following Kentucky turnovers. His consistent scoring presence helped the Jayhawks increase their margin throughout the second half.
Freshman phenom Tyran Stokes showed why he will be one of the top picks in the draft this coming summer. The 6’8 forward from Louisville showcased an impressive, versatile arsenal connecting on 4-of-8 three-point attempts while demonstrating a fluid stroke from multiple areas of the floor. Stokes deceptively quick handle for his size enabled him to attack tight gaps in traffic and create opportunities off the dribble. His ability to secure defensive rebounds and initiate transition offense highlighted his potential as a versatile playmaker. Defensively, Stokes moved well laterally fighting over screens and utilized anticipation to help disrupt Kentucky’s offense. Although he experienced some difficulty finishing against Kentucky’s length at times at the basket, his combination of tangible assets was on full display.
Sixth year forward Trey Kaufman-Renn added 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists while shooting an efficient 4-of-5 from the field. The 6’9 Purdue transfer displayed touch from all three levels connecting on a catch and shoot three, an old school hook shot from 10 feet, and using his physicality to score over bigger bodies at the rim. His passing ability was particularly noteworthy as well as he found cutters from the elbows and delivered timely backdoor passes within the team’s system. Kaufman-Renn also consistently battled for positioning on the glass, providing a toughness demeanor down low and allowing extra possessions for the Jayhawks.
On the other end of the floor, Kentucky’s sophomore guard Zoom Diallo led the Wildcats with 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. The 6’6 guard demonstrated scoring versatility connecting on mid-range jumpers and spot-up perimeter opportunities. Diallo’s lean frame and ability to move effectively without the basketball allowed him to generate the team’s offense through timely cuts and perimeter movement. His shotmaking provided Kentucky with a reliable offensive option despite the team’s overall perimeter shooting struggles.
Sophomore center Malachi Moreno contributed 19 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting performance. The 7’0 big man demonstrated poise operating on the low block to high post areas. He showed patience establishing positioning and displayed touch finishing against multiple defenders at times. Defensively he helped challenge drivers at the rim forcing difficult shot attempts while utilizing his wingspan to his advantage.
The Jayhawks connected on 10-of-26 three-point attempts while holding Kentucky to just 4-of-21 from beyond the arc. Although Kentucky forced 10 turnovers, they could not convert a single point from those defensive stops. Kansas meanwhile capitalized on Kentucky’s 15 turnovers generating 22 points while distributing 24 assists on 32 made field goals on a 38% shooting night compared to Kentucky’s 19%.
This article was written by Michael Schneiderman of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.
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