Atlanta, December 19, 2025
A thrilling college basketball battle is on the horizon as the Kentucky Wildcats take on the St. John’s Red Storm at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. This matchup, part of the prestigious CBS Sports Classic, is particularly notable as it marks the first encounter between these teams since 2011, reuniting former coach Rick Pitino with his protégé, current Kentucky coach Mark Pope. Both teams have had strong seasons, heightening expectations for this memorable game that promises to deliver excitement for fans and analysts alike.
Louisville, Kentucky – December 19, 2025
Louisville, Kentucky – A highly anticipated college basketball matchup is set for December 20, 2025, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, where the Kentucky Wildcats will face the St. John’s Red Storm in the CBS Sports Classic. This game marks the first meeting between the two teams since 2011 and features a reunion between former Kentucky coach Rick Pitino and his former player, now Kentucky’s head coach, Mark Pope.
Matchup Details
The game is scheduled as part of the CBS Sports Classic doubleheader, with Ohio State playing North Carolina in the earlier game. Both matchups will be broadcast on CBS and streamed live on Paramount+. Tip-off times will be announced at a later date. Tickets will go on sale in August, and fans can register for more information at cbssportsclassic.com/tickets.
Coaching Reunion
Rick Pitino, who led Kentucky from 1989 to 1997, returns to face his former player, Mark Pope, who took over as Kentucky’s head coach in April 2024. The reunion is particularly significant as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of Pitino’s first national championship with Kentucky in 1996. Pope has expressed his excitement about the game, emphasizing the perfect scenario of facing his former coach and mentor. Pitino, in turn, has praised Pope’s leadership and character, highlighting his selflessness and humility.
Team Performances
Both teams have had successful seasons leading up to this matchup. St. John’s, under Pitino’s guidance, won the Big East championship and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, finishing with a 31-5 record. Kentucky, with Pope at the helm, has also demonstrated strong performance, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive game.
Background Context
The CBS Sports Classic is an annual college basketball event featuring prominent teams from across the country. The inclusion of St. John’s in this year’s event adds a new dynamic, replacing UCLA, which has moved to the Big Ten Conference. The game between Kentucky and St. John’s is expected to draw significant attention due to the coaching reunion and the high stakes for both teams.
Looking Ahead
Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the December 20 matchup, which promises to be a memorable event in college basketball. The game not only highlights the reunion of two influential figures in the sport but also showcases the talent and competitiveness of both teams as they vie for national prominence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the Kentucky vs. St. John’s game scheduled?
The game is scheduled for December 20, 2025, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
What is the significance of this matchup?
This game marks the first meeting between Kentucky and St. John’s since 2011 and features a reunion between former Kentucky coach Rick Pitino and his former player, now Kentucky’s head coach, Mark Pope.
Where can I watch the game?
The game will be broadcast on CBS and streamed live on Paramount+. Tip-off times will be announced at a later date.
How can I purchase tickets for the game?
Tickets will go on sale in August. Fans can register for more information at cbssportsclassic.com/tickets.
What is the history between Rick Pitino and Mark Pope?
Rick Pitino coached Kentucky from 1989 to 1997, leading the team to a national championship in 1996. Mark Pope played under Pitino during that time and is now the head coach of Kentucky.
Key Features of the Kentucky vs. St. John’s Matchup
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Date | December 20, 2025 |
| Location | State Farm Arena, Atlanta |
| Teams | Kentucky Wildcats vs. St. John’s Red Storm |
| Event | CBS Sports Classic |
| Coaching Reunion | Rick Pitino (St. John’s) vs. Mark Pope (Kentucky) |
| Broadcast | CBS and Paramount+ |
| Ticket Information | On sale in August; register at cbssportsclassic.com/tickets |
Now Happening on X
- @alertpage (December 18, 2025, 11:50 AM) Reports an officer-involved shooting in Louisville where a suspect with two gunshot wounds was armed with a handgun and running from police; EMS on scene, no officers injured. View on X
- @WDRBNews (December 18, 2025, 2:59 PM) Louisville officer shoots armed man in Russell neighborhood following a ShotSpotter alert, according to police. View on X
- @thinkB4belief (December 16, 2025, 11:40 AM) Criticizes Louisville’s 2025 safety claims amid over 100 homicides for the sixth straight year and a 48% unsolved case rate, calling it a failure for community safety. View on X
- @WLKY (December 16, 2025, 8:20 PM) Three individuals linked to hundreds of car thefts arrested in downtown Louisville after a dramatic chase. View on X
- @courierjournal (December 16, 2025, 5:30 PM) Emergency crews respond to a car crash that sparked an apartment fire in Louisville’s East End. View on X
- @LEX18News (December 15, 2025, 4:30 PM) Louisville Metro Police arrest a man connected to a homicide on East Oak Street from December 3. View on X
- @WDRBNews (December 12, 2025, 4:11 PM) Breaking news of a man stabbed to death at an apartment complex in Louisville’s Southside neighborhood. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
