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Champions Classic, Duke vs Kansas: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Cody Williams

Nov 11, 2016; Honolulu, HI, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) lays the ball in against Indiana Hoosiers guard James Blackmon Jr. (1) at the Stan Sheriff Center. Indiana defeats Kansas 103-99 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2016; Honolulu, HI, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) lays the ball in against Indiana Hoosiers guard James Blackmon Jr. (1) at the Stan Sheriff Center. Indiana defeats Kansas 103-99 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Duke Blue Devils vs. Kansas Jayhawks

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but the Duke Blue Devils and Kansas Jayhawks are entering the college basketball season as title contenders. Coming into the 2016-17 season, Mike Krzyzewski and Bill Self are in familiar territory in regards to expectations. On Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, though, both teams get a chance to strongly assess their early season title hopes. The Blue Devils and Jayhawks square off in the late game of the State Farm Champions Classic.

Unfortunately, this matchup won’t feature all of the star freshmen that it potentially could have. Duke will again be without the trio of Harry Giles, Jayson Tatum, and Marques Bolden, who have all not played in the Devils first two wins. Those wins came with ease over Marist and Grand Canyon, but Coach K’s team looked mighty emphatic in their beatdowns of the two cupcakes.

Kansas on the other hand has yet to record a win on the new year. Granted, they’ve only played one game and lost in an overtime-thriller to the Indiana Hoosiers, but they have a zero in the win-column nonetheless. With what guard Frank Mason III showed with a 30-point showing in the opening loss, though, the Jayhawks are going to be just fine. Throw in the talents of freshman Josh Jackson and you won’t be seeing too many more losses added to their record this season.

What’s going to be key to winning this matchup for No. 1 Duke and No. 7 Kansas, respectively?

Keys to Victory

Even without the freshmen trio of highly touted recruits, Duke still has the likes of Grayson Allen—a National Player of the Year candidate—along with Frank Jackson and Luke Kennard. This team can put up points in bunches. However, the biggest key in this one is going to be Amile Jefferson on the glass. The loss of the big man proved huge last season for the Blue Devils and his rebounding is a big reason why. With a Kansas team that is trying to figure out its frontcourt in the wake of 78-year veteran Perry Ellis’ departure, the Devils need their veteran big to take advantage.

It’s quite simple for Bill Self’s team as to what has to change for their team to not suffer their second loss. Yes, they have to combat Jefferson and the Blue Devils on the boards. But more than anything, the freshman Jackson has to be better than he was against Indiana. The lauded youngster went just 3-of-11 shooting in his debut for the Jayhawks, thus necessitating Mason having to gun for 30. Jackson is talented enough to where he should be able to carve out a much more efficient and productive offensive role. The Jayhawks getting that balance to counter a balanced Duke offensive attack is pivotal.

Odds

Point Spread: Duke -2.5
Moneyline: Duke -145, Kansas +125
Over/Under: 167.5

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Prediction

This Duke team might be one of the best that Coach K has ever assembled. Though Giles, Tatum, and Bolden will be out for this one, they still are able to match the talent level of the Jayhawks and score with a high-powered attack. Don’t read too much into Kansas dropping to 0-2 on the season, but that’s what happens on Tuesday night in the Champions Classic.

Pick: Duke Blue Devils: 86, Kansas Jayhawks: 81