ATLANTA – St. John’s started the season at No. 5 in the AP Top 25, with Kentucky at No. 9. Fast forward to today: the Red Storm have dropped to No. 22, and the Wildcats have fallen out of the rankings. Both teams are feeling the pressure as they prepare for their Saturday matchup in the CBS Sports Classic at State Farm Arena.

St. John’s faces Kentucky in a high-stakes game that could change both teams’ fortunes. Regardless of their records, the winner earns a significant Quadrant-1 victory while the loser faces another setback.

The upcoming game marks a crucial return for Kentucky’s Jayden Quaintance, who missed the first 11 games due to an ACL injury sustained last season at Arizona State. Quaintance, a 6-foot-9 forward, is expected to impact the game significantly given his skills, especially with a remarkable 7-foot-5 wingspan that enhances his defensive abilities.

This match not only represents a clash between two storied programs but could also reshape the rankings for both teams as they look to rebound in the season.

Tip-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET on CBS, followed by a second game featuring North Carolina and Ohio State.