Kentucky basketball vs. St. John’s: Get live updates, stats as Cats face Pitino

Emotions figure to be high for the Kentucky men’s basketball team Saturday in Atlanta.

The CBS Sports Classic not only gives the Wildcats their final chance to beat a ranked opponent in the nonconference schedule — No. 22 St. John’s awaits at the State Farm Arena — but UK coach Mark Pope is squaring off with the Red Storm’s Rick Pitino, who coached Pope on an NCAA title team at Kentucky.

Was UK’s win against Indiana last Saturday a turning point in what’s been a disappointing season so far? Or will the Cats — 0-4 this season against ranked opponents — struggle again to find an offensive rhythm against quality competition?

You can find out with the teams tip off at 12:30 p.m., and you can follow along with Herald-Leader staffers on site. Men’s basketball beat writer Ben Roberts, sports columnist Mark Story and staff writer Cameron Drummond will be on site to answer your questions in the chat below, which also features live stats and play-by-play of the game.