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SEC/Big 12 Challenge schedule: Kentucky at Kansas, Rick Barnes returns to Texas

By Alicia de Artola

Kentucky head coach John Calipari and Kansas head coach Bill Self. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Kentucky head coach John Calipari and Kansas head coach Bill Self. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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Matchups for the 2022 Big 12/SEC Challenge include a mouthwatering battle between Kentucky and Kansas plus a reunion between Rick Barnes and Texas.

Get ready for a wild Big 12/SEC Challenge for 2022.

ESPN announced the games for the Jan. 29 extravaganza, including a marquee matchup guaranteed to draw plenty of eyes.

The Kentucky Wildcats will head to Lawrence to face the Kansas Jayhawks.

Bill Self and the Jayhawks were humbled in the NCAA Tournament with an 85-51 loss to USC in the second round. At least they can say they were in the Big Dance. John Calipari’s Kentucky missed out after an exceedingly disappointing campaign.

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Both traditional college basketball powers will look to make a statement.

There’s more intrigue to be had beyond that game.

Matchups for the 2022 Big 12/SEC Challenge announced

  • Kentucky at Kansas
  • Baylor at Alabama
  • Tennessee at Texas
  • West Virginia at Arkansas
  • LSU at TCU
  • Oklahoma State at Florida
  • Mississippi State at Texas Tech
  • Oklahoma at Auburn
  • Missouri at Iowa State
  • Kansas State at Ole Miss

When it comes to pure competitive basketball, it won’t get better than Baylor and Alabama. The defending national champion Bears will have a tough road test against a Crimson Tide squad expected to be ranked in the Top 10 again next year.

If you’re here for the drama, look no further than Rick Barnes’ return to Texas. The Tennessee head coach is the winningest in Longhorn basketball history. This will be the first time he’s back in Austin to face the team he coached for 17 years.

West Virginia and Arkansas will promise a fun matchup of likely ranked teams. NCAA.com’s early Top 25 for the coming season ranks the Mountaineers No. 13 and the Razorbacks No. 12.

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