Cameron Boozer's 18 points lift No. 5 Duke to 78-66 win over No. 24 Kansas in Champions Classic
Nov, 20 2025
When Cameron Boozer drained a tough floater with 3:12 left in the second half, the crowd at Madison Square Garden erupted—not just for the points, but for the statement. The Duke Blue Devils had just broken a two-game losing streak to the Kansas Jayhawks, winning 78-66 in the State Farm Champions ClassicNew York City on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Boozer, the 18-year-old freshman forward from North Carolina, finished with 18 points, six rebounds, and a quiet confidence that belied his youth. "This is my first time (playing) in the Garden," he said afterward. "They call it Cameron (Indoor Stadium) North, so I’m excited to have that experience."
How Duke Controlled the Game
Duke didn’t win with flashy plays. They won with discipline. Coach Jon Scheyer made it clear after the game: "Held them to single-digit rebounds. We valued the ball in the second half. Only two turnovers. That was a big deal." And it was. Kansas, known for its physicality and offensive firepower, managed just eight offensive boards and turned the ball over just four times in the final 20 minutes. That’s not luck—that’s execution. Duke’s guards, including sophomore Patrick Ngongba II, crashed the glass like forwards. "They had three rebounds, too," Scheyer noted, emphasizing how even the perimeter players bought into the team’s rebounding mantra.
The Turning Point: Foul Trouble and a 15-2 Run
But the game didn’t turn on rebounding alone. It turned on Flory Bidunga. The Kansas sophomore, who had just posted a career-high 25 points against Princeton two days earlier, picked up his second foul with 17:42 left in the second half. He sat for nearly seven minutes. And that’s when everything changed.
"It was a 15-2 run," said analyst Michael Swain in his post-game breakdown. "That’s when Duke took control. They weren’t just scoring—they were suffocating. No one on KU could step up. No one could fill Floyd’s shoes." Bidunga’s absence opened the lane for Duke’s drives and forced Kansas into jump shots they didn’t want to take. When he returned, the momentum was gone.
Key Plays That Defined the Outcome
It wasn’t just Boozer. Dame Sarr found Ngongba for a thunderous two-point dunk at 19:07. Then came the clinchers: Pat (likely Pat Spencer) hit Malik with a perfect skip pass, then Boozer went to the line twice in 30 seconds, converting all four free throws. Dominic (likely Dominic Nadeau) followed with two more at the stripe. Those six points in a 45-second span turned a five-point lead into an 11-point cushion with under three minutes left. Kansas never recovered.
Historical Context: Breaking the Curse
Before this game, Kansas had won five of the last six meetings against Duke. The last two matchups—both in 2024—ended in Jayhawks victories. This wasn’t just another win. It was a psychological reset. For Duke, it validated their early-season grind: the physical exhibition against Tennessee, the bruising opener against Texas. "You know why we played those teams?" Scheyer said. "To prepare for this. Kansas protects the ball. They’re physical. We had to be tougher."
What’s Next for Both Teams
Duke (3-0) now turns its attention to a tough stretch in the ACC, with home games against Florida State and a road trip to Virginia looming. The win over Kansas gives them a marquee resume-builder early in the season.
Kansas (2-1), meanwhile, faces a brutal stretch of neutral-site games: Notre Dame on November 25, then Syracuse on November 27. Without Darryn Peterson—out due to injury, as Swain noted—and with Bidunga’s foul trouble exposing their depth, the Jayhawks will need to adjust fast. "It’s more encouraging than discouraging," Swain said. "That first 10 minutes? That’s the blueprint. They just couldn’t sustain it."
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
Boozer’s performance—18 points on 7-of-12 shooting, plus smart defense and composure—signals Duke’s new identity. This isn’t the old Blue Devils team built around elite guards. This is a frontcourt-heavy, rebounding-first unit, with Boozer as its most promising young weapon. His 35-point explosion against Indiana State earlier this month was historic—second-most by a Duke freshman ever. This game wasn’t as flashy, but it was more telling.
And for Kansas? They showed flashes of elite talent. But in big games, depth and discipline win. They’re not far off. But they’re not quite there yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cameron Boozer’s performance compare to other Duke freshmen?
Cameron Boozer’s 35-point game against Indiana State was the second-highest scoring effort by a Duke freshman in program history. His 18-point outing against Kansas wasn’t as explosive, but it was more impactful—coming in a high-stakes rivalry game at Madison Square Garden with clutch free throws and key rebounds. He’s now the first Duke freshman since Zion Williamson to record multiple 15+ point games in the first three games of a season.
Why was Flory Bidunga’s foul trouble so critical for Kansas?
Bidunga was Kansas’ most efficient scorer (10-of-11 shooting against Princeton) and their primary interior presence. When he sat with two fouls, Kansas lost its best rim protector and go-to scorer in the paint. Duke capitalized with a 15-2 run, turning defensive stops into fast breaks and easy baskets. His absence exposed Kansas’ lack of depth behind him at the center position.
What does this win mean for Duke’s national title chances?
Duke’s victory over a top-25 Kansas team on a neutral court is their strongest resume-builder so far. Combined with their physical style and Boozer’s emergence, it signals they’re capable of competing with elite teams. If they can maintain their low turnover rate and rebounding dominance, they’ll be in the conversation for a No. 1 seed in March. But the ACC schedule looms large—this win is a statement, not a guarantee.
How did Madison Square Garden impact the game?
Madison Square Garden’s intensity—over 19,000 fans, the echo of the crowd, the history—seemed to elevate Duke’s poise. Kansas, used to playing in Allen Fieldhouse’s deafening noise, looked slightly rattled early. Duke’s players, many of whom had never played there before, thrived under pressure. Boozer said the atmosphere felt like home. That mental edge may have tipped the scales in a tight game.
What’s the significance of Duke holding Kansas to single-digit rebounds?
Kansas averages 38 rebounds per game and entered this matchup ranked in the top 20 nationally in rebounding margin. Holding them to just eight offensive rebounds and 27 total—well below their season average—meant Duke limited second-chance points and controlled tempo. That’s rare against a team with Bidunga and Beduna. It showed Duke’s defensive discipline was elite, not just a one-game fluke.
Is this win a sign of a changing of the guard between Duke and Kansas?
Not yet. Kansas still leads the all-time series 14-9 and has dominated the last decade. But this win ends a two-game losing streak and proves Duke can now compete on even footing. With Boozer emerging and Scheyer building a more balanced, physical team, the balance of power may be shifting. Kansas still has talent—but Duke’s system and depth are catching up fast.