NCAAB Analysis - December 04, 2025

#17 Michigan State Spartans vs #12 Kentucky Wildcats

Champions Classic 6:30 PM ET ESPN Madison Square Garden, NYC UK -4.5 O/U 152.5

Mark Pope's first season at Kentucky has been everything Big Blue Nation hoped for. The Wildcats enter 3-1 with their only loss coming in a competitive game against quality opposition. Pope assembled this roster through the transfer portal and high-level recruiting. Senior guard Otega Oweh leads the way, averaging 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds on 49% shooting.

Michigan State's Edge

Tom Izzo is in his 31st season at Michigan State, and the Spartans are 3-0. Jaxon Kohler has been exceptional early, posting double-doubles in consecutive games. Against Kentucky's perimeter-oriented attack, Kohler's interior presence becomes the defensive anchor. Michigan State plays with Big Ten physicality that wears down opponents over 40 minutes.

The Play

Kentucky -4.5 - Talent wins in November. Mark Pope has assembled a roster that can score with anybody, and Otega Oweh gives Kentucky the veteran guard play needed to execute in crunch time.

#24 Kansas Jayhawks vs #5 Duke Blue Devils

Champions Classic 9:00 PM ET ESPN Madison Square Garden, NYC Duke -11 O/U 148.5

This is Cooper Flagg's introduction to college basketball royalty. Duke's generational freshman phenom faces Bill Self's Kansas program in a game that will define early season narratives. The Blue Devils enter 4-0 and ranked 5th nationally. Cameron Boozer has been dominant, averaging 22.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.

Bill Self's Blueprint

Kansas counters with Bill Self, one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history. The Jayhawks are 3-1 and play disciplined defense, control tempo in the halfcourt, and rarely beat themselves with turnovers. Self will have a game plan to slow Duke's transition attack.

The Play

Kansas +11 - Bill Self doesn't lose by double digits in neutral court games against elite competition. Kansas will execute, stay disciplined, and make Duke earn every bucket. Even if Duke wins 78-70, Kansas covers with room to spare.