NCAA Basketball

Champions Classic 2025: Michigan State–Kentucky, Kansas–Duke Previews and How to Get Tickets

Nov 18, 2025

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Max Meyer

The 2025 Champions Classic returns to Madison Square Garden in New York City, bringing two of college basketball’s premier non-conference matchups in one night of elite hoops. Tip-off kicks off at 6:00 p.m. ET with Michigan State vs. Kentucky, followed by Kansas vs. Duke at 8:30 p.m. ET. Fans can expect a high-octane evening packed with star-studded lineups, intense rivalries, and the kind of fast-paced action only the Champions Classic delivers. Tickets grant entry to both games, so you can catch all four teams in action on one legendary court.

SeatGeek is the Official Ticket Marketplace of Michigan State Athletics and Kansas Athletics.

Champions Classic Details

Here’s what you need to know ahead of a night at the world-famous Madison Square Garden:

Previous History

Both games at the Champions Classic feature matchups between some of college basketball’s most storied programs, each with a rich history of competitive and memorable contests.

Michigan State vs. Kentucky

These two storied programs have met in multiple non-conference showdowns over the years, with Kentucky holding a slight edge in the all-time series, 14–12. Their last matchup prior to this event was on November 15, 2022, in the Champions Classic at Indianapolis, with Michigan State winning 86–77 in double overtime.

Kansas vs. Duke

Kansas and Duke have built one of college basketball’s marquee cross-conference rivalries, often producing highlight-reel moments and future NBA talent. Duke leads the all-time series 8–7, and their most recent meeting was on November 26, 2024, at The Vegas Showdown, with Duke prevailing 75–72 at T-Mobile Arena.

Top Players to Watch

With four powerhouse programs meeting under the bright lights, this year’s Champions Classic is stacked with star talent. Here are the key players who could shape Tuesday night’s doubleheader.

Michigan State

Jaxon Kohler (Forward) – A polished post scorer who thrives on timing and touch. Kohler gives Michigan State a steady interior option and forces defenses to respect the paint.

Coen Carr (Forward) – An electric athlete who elevates MSU’s tempo the moment he steps on the floor. Carr’s explosiveness, hustle, and defensive range make him a game-changer in transition.

Kentucky

Collin Chandler (Guard) – Kentucky’s perimeter ignition switch. Chandler’s smooth jumper and ability to score off movement stretch opposing defenses and open up the Wildcats’ offense.

Otega Oweh (Wing) – A powerful two-way wing who attacks downhill and embraces physicality. Oweh’s toughness and defensive versatility are essential against Michigan State’s athletic lineup.

Kansas

Flory Bidunga (Center) – A high-motor rim protector with elite vertical pop. Bidunga controls the glass, finishes everything around the rim, and brings the kind of defensive presence that can alter Duke’s game plan.

Tre White (Wing) – A confident, downhill attacker who excels at creating his own shot. White’s size and playmaking give Kansas a reliable perimeter threat — and with star freshman Darryn Peterson likely sidelined, he’ll be counted on to shoulder even more of the scoring load.

Duke

Cameron Boozer (Forward) – A matchup nightmare who blends power, finesse, and composure beyond his years. Boozer can punish defenses inside, stretch the floor, and command attention on every possession.

Dame Sarr (Guard) – A smooth, sharpshooting guard whose rhythm can tilt a game in Duke’s favor. When Sarr finds space on the perimeter, Duke’s offense becomes significantly more dangerous.

Unique Features of Madison Square Garden

Madison Square Garden isn’t just a venue — it’s the basketball cathedral. The world-famous ceiling rings give the arena its signature look, and the steep, theater-style bowl makes even the upper deck feel close to the court. The acoustics turn big buckets into full-body vibrations, and the concourses are filled with memorabilia and nods to decades of iconic moments. Add in the bright Broadway-style lighting, the massive center-hung videoboard and the always-rowdy New York hoops crowd, and the Champions Classic instantly feels bigger, louder, and more dramatic under the MSG spotlight.

How to Buy Champions Classic Tickets on SeatGeek

Ready to secure your spot for one the most star-powered nights of the college hoops calendar? Here’s your play-by-play on how to get tickets:

1. Search for the event — Open the SeatGeek app or website, type “Champions Classic” and tap the doubleheader listing that gets you into both games.

2. Browse available tickets — Every price shown is all-in (fees included), so you’re never getting blindsided at checkout.

3. Filter to find your ideal seats — Sort by price, section or row, and use the interactive map to see exactly what your view of the court will look like — no guessing.

4. Select your seats and check out — Pick your perfect spot, hit “Checkout,” enter your info, and you’re basically ready for tip-off.

5. Get your confirmation and tickets — A confirmation email arrives immediately, and your tickets will appear under “My Tickets” in the SeatGeek app. From there, you’ll be ready to scan at MSG.