CHICAGO — This wasn't the blowout loss many, including even Kentucky coach John Calipari, predicted.
Instead, No. 3 Kansas beat No. 4 Kentucky 65-61 in the Champions Classic Tuesday night in a back-and-forth slugfest, with 12 lead changes and 10 times tied, at the United Center.
Jayhawks' senior guard Svi Mykhailiuk scored a game-high 17 points and sophomore center Udoka Azubuike recorded 13 points and eight rebounds. Freshman forward Kevin Knox paced Kentucky (2-1) with 20 points and freshman guard Hamidou Diallo added 14.
It didn't play out the way Calipari said it might.
Previewing the contest, he was apprehensive of the Jayhawks (2-0) talented and experienced guards, led by senior Devonte' Graham.