Tre White Scores Career-High 30 as Kansas Beats Kentucky 89-69

Tre White Scores Career-High 30 as Kansas Beats Kentucky 89-69/ NEWSLOOKS/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Tre White scored a career-high 30 points as No. 15 Kansas defeated No. 24 Kentucky 89-69 in the Champions Classic on Tuesday. Freshman Tyran Stokes added 23 points, 10 rebounds and four assists as the Jayhawks improved to 3-0. Zoom Diallo led Kentucky with 24 points, but the Wildcats could not overcome Kansas’ decisive scoring runs.

Kansas guard Tyran Stokes, left, drives to the basket past Kentucky forward Justin McBride, center, and forward Milan Momcilovic during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in State Farm Champions Classic in Chicago, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Kansas head coach Bill Self, center right, and guard Taylen Kinney (0) watch during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kentucky in State Farm Champions Classic in Chicago, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Quick Look

Final score: No. 15 Kansas 89, No. 24 Kentucky 69.
White’s career night: He scored 30 points on 11-of-16 shooting, including four 3-pointers.
Stokes’ double-double: The freshman finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
Supporting scorer: Trey Kaufman-Renn contributed 12 points for Kansas.
Kentucky leaders: Diallo scored 24, while Malachi Moreno added 19 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
Injury absence: Kansas played without Melvin Council Jr., who broke a bone in his right foot Monday.
Next games: Kansas faces UNLV next Tuesday; Kentucky hosts Northern Arizona on Friday.

Kansas coaches and players celebrate after guard Taylen Kinney scored a 3-point basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kentucky in the State Farm Champions Classic in Chicago, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Kentucky head coach Mark Pope gives direction during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas in State Farm Champions Classic in Chicago, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Deep Look

White and Stokes Power Kansas Past Kentucky

CHICAGO — Tre White scored a career-high 30 points and freshman Tyran Stokes delivered a double-double as No. 15 Kansas defeated No. 24 Kentucky 89-69 on Tuesday night.

White made 11 of 16 shots from the field, while Stokes finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in his first major test for the Jayhawks.

Trey Kaufman-Renn added 12 points as Kansas improved to 3-0 for the fifth time in six seasons.

The victory was the Jayhawks’ third straight against Kentucky, improving their all-time record in the series to 13-24.

Scoring Runs Give Jayhawks Control

Kansas established an early advantage with a 9-0 run before creating more separation in the second half.

White capped a 12-0 burst with one of his four 3-pointersextending the lead to 63-41 with 15 minutes remaining.

The Jayhawks led by as many as 23 points and maintained control despite missing veteran guard Melvin Council Jr.

Council broke a bone in his right foot during practice Monday. He could return for the beginning of Kansas’ Big 12 schedule.

Diallo and Moreno Lead Wildcats

Zoom Diallo scored 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting for Kentucky, which fell to 2-1.

Malachi Moreno contributed 19 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, but their production was not enough to keep the Wildcats within reach.

Diallo is among six transfers Kentucky coach Mark Pope added before the season.

Another newcomer, former Iowa State player Milan Momcilovicwas limited to five points on 2-of-7 shooting.

Kansas Improves Champions Classic Record

The result lifted Kansas to 10-6 in the Champions Classic, the annual early-season doubleheader featuring the Jayhawks, Wildcats, Duke and Michigan State.

Kentucky dropped to 6-10 in the event.

Kansas next plays UNLV in Las Vegas on Tuesday night. Kentucky returns home to face Northern Arizona on Friday night.