John Calipari says Kentucky is "overcharged" by Duke

INDIANAPOLIS – Following Kentucky's 118-84 defeat against the No. 4 duel Tuesday at the Champions Classic, the worst defeat of his coaching career at all levels, John Calipari said he told his team that He was outclassed by rival Mike Krzyzewski.

"They were just better than us," said Calipari. "I said [my team]& # 39; I fought, you have been overwhelmed. We will watch the band and move on. "

Duke rookie Zion Williamson, Cam Reddish and RJ Barrett combined to score 83 points. First-year leader Tre Jones, the younger brother of former Duke Tyus Jones star, finished with seven assists and zero turnover. The Blue Devils made 46.2% of their 3-point attempts.

Calipari had already suffered a loss of 33 points against West Virginia while he was at UMass and a loss of 32 points during his stay in the NBA. But Tuesday's 34-point loss Tuesday was the worst of his coaching career.

Krzyzewski said he is pleased with his collection of freshmen, a group of three players likely to rank among the top three spots in the NBA draft next summer.

"I'm really proud of my guys," he said. "You start four freshmen, no matter how talented they are, you never know what they're going to do in this environment against an outstanding team and a great program, and they responded, they were beautiful."

Duke opened the game early and silenced the dressed crowd in Kentucky with a start of 34-13. The Wildcats have never recovered.

Both programs fought for talent throughout this period. Krzyzewski won the first class to come, as noted by ESPN, in four of the previous five seasons.

This year's Duke team could be one of Krzyzewski's best.

"It's a very good team," Calipari said. "If they play like that, they will not lose much, if that's what they are."