Kentucky fans are celebrating in full force after the Wildcats’ gritty victory over Duke in the Champions Classic. In a game where Kentucky faced down Duke’s physicality and fought back even harder, the Wildcats ultimately overwhelmed the Blue Devils with a relentless second-half performance. For Big Blue Nation, there was no moment more satisfying than watching Oweh snatch that late-game rebound, sealing Duke’s fate as the Wildcats took control.
And now comes the next-best part of being a fan—reveling in the aftermath. Social media is buzzing as Duke fans struggle to come to terms with the loss, especially after ESPN analyst and Duke alum Jay Williams called this Duke squad “the most talented since 2001” while they led by nine at halftime. Kentucky fans are having a blast with that prediction, now that the Blue Devils fell short in such dramatic fashion. With this momentum, it looks like Kentucky is in for a thrilling season.
KENTUCKY COMES BACK DOWN 9 TO UPSET NO. 6 DUKE AND COOPER FLAGG 🔥
WELCOME TO THE MARK POPE ERA. pic.twitter.com/I5H51ZMhVS
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) November 13, 2024
Social media is filled with highlights from the game and reactions to Mark Pope’s first major victory as Kentucky’s head coach. The College Basketball Report kicked things off with a warm welcome to Pope, while other fans humorously warned that no couch in Kentucky would be safe during the celebrations.
Kentucky students lit the street on fire after beating Duke 😭 The best fanbase in basketball. pic.twitter.com/6wg3QPFVO3
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) November 13, 2024
Duke & Kentucky showing why college basketball is the best pic.twitter.com/66ezOHIXnl
— PePe (@CLEMSONPEPE) November 13, 2024
For some, this upset win serves as a reminder that college basketball, with its passion and unpredictable rivalries, is truly the pinnacle of the sport. Duke fans, however, aren’t quite as thrilled. One Kentucky fan commented that if Duke fans think Lexington is in a rough basketball state, they might want to reconsider their situation in Durham after this loss.
Hate to say this but Duke basketball's biggest weakness is Jon Scheyer. This is a very clear example of how to lose a game. The same issues from the last 2 seasons. Lack of adjustments, Not utilizing the bench, Excessive 1 on 1 play(even after a timeout‼️) HE'S GOT TO BE BETTER
— Sports King🔥 (@Sports_Kings_) November 13, 2024
You gotta be fucking kidding me. Missed it and they got the fucking board. Same old duke. Soft ass offense, bad shooting, hero ball bullshit, defensive lapses, lack of identity and a coaching that crumbles like a house of cards in big moments time and time again.
— Alex Kane (@Dakane3) November 13, 2024
Super pathetic half of basketball
— Woah. (@Woah_Duke7) November 13, 2024
Goodness, Craig is deep in his feelings over this game.
— Blue Blood (@BlueBloodKY859) November 13, 2024
But the fun isn’t just in watching Duke fans cope—it’s also about Kentucky fans celebrating their own. Kentucky fans shared thoughts on Pope’s press conference after the game, noting his intelligence and poise, with some jokingly comparing him to a Rhodes Scholar. Others pointed out that this feels like the start of a new era in Kentucky sports, with a young, promising coach on the sidelines, evoking memories of past legends like Rick Pitino.
Cal doesn’t win that game. Kentucky may be back
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) November 13, 2024
No Kentucky basketball for a week pic.twitter.com/ee25wCQ3Xf
— Kentucky Update (@ky__update) November 13, 2024
When Mark Pope talks about the “connected tissue” of the team. I’m pretty sure our basketball coach is a Doctor. Because he is. Med school Mark. Love him! #bbn #markpope #kentucky
— Kim Soper (@KimSoper) November 13, 2024
I have renewed faith in Kentucky basketball during the mark pope era. he's smart and really cares about his players. he could turn into a younger version of rick pitino. big blue nation should be ecstatic
— Dick Weiss (@HoopsWeiss) November 13, 2024
Over the last 5-10 years, we lose tonight's game by double digits
It's a new day and age in Kentucky basketball 🏀 #BBN pic.twitter.com/cPqRRIFN4S
— BigBlueFlavaFlav🇺🇸 (@KentuckyHypeMan) November 13, 2024
We don’t just play college basketball, we ARE college basketball.
— The Kentucky Network (@KentuckyNet) November 13, 2024
The Wildcats have a short break until their next matchup against Lipscomb at Rupp Arena next Tuesday, so Kentucky fans, enjoy the victory—it’s well-deserved.
