Champions Classic history: Duke, Kansas, Kentucky and Michigan State bring legendary records to Chicago

Champions Classic history: Duke, Kansas, Kentucky and Michigan State bring legendary records to Chicago originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Champions Classic returns Tuesday with another doubleheader featuring four of college basketball's most recognizable programs.Michigan State faces Duke in the opening game at Chicago's United Center, followed by Kansas against Kentucky. The event began in 2011 and has become one of the sport's premier early-season showcases, bringing nationally prominent teams together before conference play begins.Over the years, the Champions Classic has produced remarkable performances, memorable victories and several moments that helped define entire college basketball seasons.Duke's 2018 victory remains unforgettableOne of the event's most famous games came in 2018, when Duke overwhelmed Kentucky 118-84.Champions Classic Standings heading into tomorrow https://t.co/hHR3Xxbz3w— Steven Peake (@StevenPeakeKSR) November 10, 2026The Blue Devils featured an extraordinary freshman class led by Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish. Duke's 118 points established a Champions Classic scoring record, while the 34-point victory remains the event's largest winning margin.The performance immediately established Duke as one of the most discussed teams in the country and provided a national introduction to its highly anticipated freshman stars.Michigan State produced the event's overtime classicThe 2022 Champions Classic featured a memorable contest between Michigan State and Kentucky. The Spartans defeated the Wildcats in double overtime, producing the event's only overtime game through its first 15 editions.The result demonstrated why the Champions Classic has become such an appealing event. Although the games take place early in the season, the quality of the participants can create an atmosphere resembling a major postseason contest.Chicago has become an important homeTuesday marks the fifth time Chicago has hosted the Champions Classic. The United Center previously welcomed the event in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2023, tying Madison Square Garden for the most hosting appearances.The doubleheader also continues a tradition involving the same four programs since the event's creation. Duke, Kansas, Kentucky and Michigan State have collectively produced numerous national championships and generations of recognizable college basketball stars.MORE: Champions Classic history: Greatest moments before Duke, Kansas, Kentucky and Michigan State meet againAnother chapter begins TuesdayMichigan State and Duke meet at 7 p.m. ET, while Kansas and Kentucky follow at 9:30 p.m. ET.The games provide early opportunities to evaluate teams with substantial expectations and passionate national followings. Results in November do not determine what happens during March Madness, but they can influence early rankings, confidence and public perception.The Champions Classic has repeatedly demonstrated that an early-season game can become a lasting part of college basketball history. Tuesday's doubleheader gives another opportunity for someone to deliver that kind of performance.More college basketball news:Isaiah Evans' NBA Draft accessories are worth more than his rookie contractJohn Calipari says college athletics is broken — Here’s his plan to fix itHow Dusty May's Michigan contract, buyout impacts the Dallas Mavericks