No. 19 Kentucky got its first look at a big dog Tuesday with its game against No. 6 Duke, and by walking away from the Champions Classic clash with the 77-72 win, the Wildcats proved themselves to still be big dogs too.

Kentucky basketball has its first signature win of the Mark Pope coaching era. The No. 19-ranked Wildcats ... The closing minutes of the game were highlighted by a pair of and-ones from UK fifth-year forward Andrew Carr, defensive stops from junior guard ...

Kentucky coach Mark Pope doesn’t need the best of the best now; he’s got himself a squad that has plenty of talent and heart.