The Kentucky Wildcats committed seven turnovers and gave up 46 points in the first half. However, in the second half, they buckled down, played tenacious defense and were able to get past the Duke Blue Devils 77-72 in front of 16,107 at State Farm Arena.Notably, Otega Oweh hit four crucial free throws to seal the game for Big Blue Nation. “Also, just an unbelievable game,” said Kentucky forward Andrew Carr.  “It was a true team effort. I felt like it was really special for us. Not everything was going our way, especially in the first half. We come in at halftime, and Coach always talks about just turning into each other, and the people that matter are the people in that locker room. The closer we get, it’s harder and harder to break us.”Kentucky spoiled a 26-point night by Duke megastar Cooper Flagg. Flagg turned the ball over twice in the final minute. “Coach trusted me to go and make a play, like he said it didn’t work out,” Flagg admitted after the game. “I’m glad he had that trust in me to put the ball in my hands. I’m looking for it in that moment. It didn’t work out, but I’m still going to look for it no matter what.”Notably, the Blue Devils were 4-of-23 from three point range tonight. Center Amari Williams (22) attempts a hook shot during the first half of the State Farm Champions Classic between the Kentucky Wildcats and Duke Blue Devils at State Farm Arena on November 12, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice)However, Kentucky harped on togetherness to withstand their mistakes and the great play early on from Duke. “We’re a pretty faithful group, and we get to learn that this isn’t really about us,” said Kentucky Head Coach Mark Pope. “So I think the best part about all of us being able to acknowledge our fans in the stands is it’s just an extension of that. This is about us, it’s not about me.”Duke returns home to face Wofford on Saturday. Kentucky hosts Lipscomb next Tuesday to begin a four-game homestand.The post New head coach Mark Pope wins first big game at Kentucky, beating Duke 77-72 appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.