Cameron Boozer's 35 Points Lead No. 4 Duke Past No. 22 Arkansas, 80-71
When Cameron Boozer hit a step-back three with 1:12 left, the crowd at Wintrust Arena erupted—not because it was a buzzer-beater, but because it was the final dagger in a performance that rewrote the script of the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Day ClassicChicago. The Duke Blue Devils didn’t just beat the Arkansas Razorbacks 80-71 on Thursday, November 27, 2025. They dismantled a team that thrives on chaos, turned their own offense into a precision instrument, and proved they’re not just good—they’re dangerous.
A Freshman Who Doesn’t Look Like One
Cameron Boozer, a 6’8” freshman from Charlotte, didn’t just play like a veteran—he played like a veteran who’s been here before. Thirty-five points. Nine rebounds. Three assists. Two steals. And 14 of those points came in the final nine minutes, when Arkansas clawed back from a 13-point deficit and smelled blood. He wasn’t just scoring; he was orchestrating. A drive-and-kick to Caleb Foster. A spin move in the post that sent two defenders tumbling. A put-back off a missed free throw that felt like a mic drop. The Duke Blue Devils didn’t win because they had more depth—they won because Boozer refused to let them lose.Defense That Silenced the Fastbreak
Arkansas came in ranked fourth in the nation in fastbreak points, averaging 25.3 per game. They’ve got speed, transition threats, guards who can push the pace like lightning. But Duke’s defense? It was like a wall made of bricks—and someone forgot to tell the Razorbacks. They managed just 14 fastbreak points. Zero. That’s right. Zero. The Duke Blue Devils didn’t just guard; they anticipated. Caleb Foster, the junior guard, had five rebounds and eight assists, but his real value was in his timing—jumping passing lanes, cutting off drives, and forcing Arkansas into half-court sets where Duke’s length and discipline took over.It wasn’t just Boozer and Foster. Patrick Ngongba II, the freshman guard, opened the game with a three off an offensive rebound—his first career points—and kept his energy high even when the shots weren’t falling. Nikolas Khamenia, the 7-footer, didn’t light up the stat sheet, but his presence in the paint forced Arkansas to shoot over him—and they missed 12 of their 17 attempts inside the arc in the second half.
Arkansas Fought—But Ran Out of Gas
Let’s be clear: Arkansas didn’t roll over. Darius Acuff Jr., their freshman guard, dropped 21 points and five assists, attacking the rim with fearless aggression. Trevon Brazile, the sophomore forward, had a double-double (exact stats unconfirmed), and for stretches, the Razorbacks looked like the better team. A 10-0 run in the first five minutes of the second half turned a 13-point Duke lead into a 50-47 Arkansas advantage. The crowd—mostly Arkansas fans, it seemed—roared like they were in Fayetteville.But then came the moment that defined the game: with 6:12 left, the score tied at 64, Boozer drove, drew three defenders, and kicked out to Foster—who missed. But Ngongba II was there, leaping from the baseline, tapping it in. The basket put Duke up two. The next possession, Foster stole a lazy pass, sprinted downcourt, and finished with a finger roll. That’s when Arkansas’ rhythm cracked. The Razorbacks missed their next four shots. Turnovers piled up. The lead never got below two again.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
Duke’s 8-0 start is impressive, but it’s not unprecedented. What’s remarkable is how they’ve done it: with a freshman carrying the load, a defense that’s improved dramatically from last year, and a coaching staff that’s figured out how to turn chaos into control. Head coach Jon Scheyer, in his third season, has built a team that doesn’t rely on star power alone—it relies on structure, discipline, and execution under pressure.Arkansas, meanwhile, showed they’re a top-25 team. But they also showed they’re still young. They struggled with turnovers (18 total), missed 11 of 17 free throws, and couldn’t close when it mattered. This loss won’t define them—but it might accelerate their growth. They’ll return to SEC play next week with a better understanding of what it takes to beat elite teams.
What’s Next?
Duke’s next game is against an ACC opponent in early December—likely a tough road test against a team like Florida State or Virginia Tech. They’ve got a real shot at staying in the top five all season. Arkansas heads into SEC play with a 5-2 record, but the question now is whether they can turn this loss into fuel. They’ll need to fix their free-throw shooting and limit turnovers if they want to compete in a loaded SEC.And let’s not forget: this game was played in Chicago, not Durham or Fayetteville. It was a neutral-site clash between two powerhouse programs during the holiday break—a rare treat for fans. The CBS Sports Thanksgiving Day ClassicChicago delivered. And it wasn’t just a game. It was a statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cameron Boozer’s performance compare to other freshman stars in recent years?
Boozer’s 35-point, nine-rebound outing against a top-25 team is among the most dominant freshman performances since Paolo Banchero’s 26-point game against Kentucky in 2022. Only three freshmen since 2020 have scored 35+ points in a game against a ranked opponent, and none did it with such efficiency (13-of-20 FG) while also contributing in defense and playmaking. His ability to score in the clutch—14 points in the final nine minutes—rivals Zion Williamson’s breakout moments in 2019.
Why was Duke’s defense so effective against Arkansas’ fastbreak?
Arkansas entered the game averaging 25.3 fastbreak points per game, but Duke’s defense forced 18 turnovers and limited transition opportunities by collapsing on drives and protecting the paint. Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II were instrumental in disrupting passing lanes, while Boozer’s length at the rim deterred easy layups. Duke’s half-court defense also forced Arkansas into contested mid-range shots, where they shot just 36%.
What role did Jon Scheyer play in Duke’s defensive adjustments?
Scheyer, a former Duke player and assistant under Mike Krzyzewski, emphasized switching schemes and communication after halftime, especially after Arkansas cut the lead to two. He instructed his guards to stay home on shooters and force Arkansas into isolation plays, which played into Duke’s strength—long, athletic defenders who could recover. The decision to double-team Arkansas’ ball-handlers in the half-court was a key turning point.
How did the venue impact the game?
Wintrust Arena in Chicago, home to the Windy City Bulls, hosted over 12,000 fans, nearly evenly split between Duke and Arkansas supporters. The neutral setting removed home-court advantage, but the energy was electric—especially during Arkansas’ second-half surge. The arena’s tight acoustics amplified every crowd noise, which may have affected Arkansas’ communication on defense during critical possessions.
What does this result mean for Duke’s ACC schedule?
Duke’s 8-0 start, including wins over top-25 teams like Arkansas and Gonzaga earlier this month, positions them as serious ACC and national title contenders. With Boozer emerging as a star and the defense tightening, they’re now one of the few teams with the depth and poise to handle the ACC’s physical style. Their first conference game—likely against Florida State—will be a true test of whether they can sustain this level against elite competition.
Is this the start of a new Duke dynasty?
It’s too early to call it a dynasty—but this team has the ingredients: elite coaching, a generational freshman, and a defense that’s improved dramatically. Unlike past Duke teams that relied on NBA-bound guards, this squad is built with length, versatility, and a willingness to grind. If Boozer continues to develop and the supporting cast stays healthy, Duke could be a Final Four team—and possibly the No. 1 seed in March.
