Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski thought Seth Curry was the difference-maker for Duke in its win over Kentucky. Credit: CHUCK LIDDY

ATLANTA—It was a matchup with March Madness-level intensity. And here's a fittingly in-depth analysis from yours truly: 

First: the game story from No. 9 Duke's 75-68 win over No. 3 Kentucky and the full story behind John Calipari's comments on Duke flopping at halftime.

***Duke needs all three of its seniors to be successful.

The trio of Mason Plumlee, Ryan Kelly and Seth Curry is greater than the sum of its individual parts. That’s not to say that, as individuals, they’re not good, but the three of them clicking on the court will be necessary for future Duke success.

Kentucky coach John Calipari offered a critique of Duke's defense in a halftime interview. Credit: CHUCK LIDDY

ATLANTA—Kentucky head coach John Calipari didn't mince words when asked for his thoughts in a halftime television interview.

"They're flopping all over the place," Calipari said of Duke's defense. "In the NBA, they'd all be suspended."

When Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski was told of Calipari's comments after the game, he gave a tongue-and-cheek response the drew a few chuckles from the media assembled at the press conference. 

Duke needs length on the floor against Kentucky, so expect to see more of Amile Jefferson or Alex Murphy. Credit: CHUCK LIDDY

Duke vs. Kentucky
When:  9:30 p.m.

Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta

TV/radio: ESPN/ WKIX-102.9 FM

One-sentence summary that links to longer explanation: Experience meets youth. 

Projected starting lineups