Thing is, Kentucky’s players lack experience in a Champions Classic-type setting. Butler did play in a Final Four at San Diego State. And Kriisa played at Arizona. For the most part, their teammates have played at more mid-level Division I schools that rarely made their way onto the bigger stages.

If Kentucky basketball rebounds like it did in its win vs. Bucknell, Mark Pope's Wildcats could be in a great position when they face Duke on Tuesday.

No. 7 Duke will take on No. 23 Kentucky in both teams' first ranked matchup of the year. The Blue Zone is here with an overview, key stat, X-factor and three keys to a Duke victory.

While Kentucky fans have a lot of confidence heading into this game ESPN does not share that same confidence in the Wildcats. ESPN gives Kentucky a 29.3% chance to take down Duke

On Tuesday, Duke renews pleasantries with Kentucky in the Champions Classic, and while we’ll have a proper review posted presently, it’s probably a good idea to talk about Kentucky a bit, because Kentucky is certainly talking about Duke.