Blue Blood Battle: Kentucky vs. Kansas basketball game prediction

The first marquee nonconference game is here with the Champions Classic set to tip off Tuesday. Kansas basketball will face fellow blue-blood Kentucky in an always-exciting affair. Coming off my last score prediction that was within 2 points in the Manhattan game, the pressure is on for me.

First, let’s look at the breakdown that will lead us to the final score prediction. Kentucky currently holds the most all-time wins record due to us having to forfeit 15 wins, so it is time to start chipping away and take the crown back.

With two Hall of Fame coaches ready to battle, we will see who has the edge. Both won a national title against the other in a championship game, with KU beating Memphis in 2008 and Kentucky beating KU in 2012.

Coach Cal may be a master recruiter but his in-game adjustments and coaching have come under fire. His lack of recent tournament success has many Kentucky fans clamoring for his exit. Coach Self can and will coach circles around Cal on Tuesday and give Kansas basketball the edge in coaching.

While this game will be played at a neutral site in Chicago, I do want to talk about each school’s homecourt advantage. I traveled to Rupp last year and watched the Jayhawks enter Lexington and stick it to the Cats. While Kentucky does have some history and a solid fan base, the atmosphere was nowhere near Allen Fieldhouse.

The Fieldhouse is always electric and the fans bring it up to another notch. I will give the ‘Cats one edge in that their ice cream is phenomenal and tops the options in Lawrence. While my daughter will get me for Dippin’ Dots every time in the Phog, Kentucky has the clear ice cream edge. Everything else from the nostalgia to the crowd and the noise is all Rock Chalk!

Kentucky consistently rolls out a roster full of athletes and top recruits. This year is no different with the exception of some injuries that have Kentucky playing fewer players out of the gate. Antonio Reeves leads the ‘Cats in scoring, who have five players scoring double figures through the first two games.

On the other hand, Kansas basketball will have the best player on the floor with Hunter Dickinson. He should give UK all they can handle and more. I expect Big Hunt to drop more than 20 on them. Kev will continue his senior rise and KJ will scrap with Johnny Buckets and Elmarko, giving us additional scoring and playmaking. Fingers crossed that much-maligned point guard Dajuan Harris decides he can make a few open layups and shots in this one. KU again wins this one with better players and depth going into this game.

Final Score Prediction: 79-72, Kansas

As Always Rock Chalk and Let’s Go!