When Cameron Boozer dropped a thunderous dunk with 1:06 left, the Duke Blue Devils had sealed their most convincing win of the season — and maybe the most impressive performance by a freshman in college basketball this year. On Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Duke outlasted the Arkansas Razorbacks 80-71 in the CBS Sports Thanksgiving ClassicChicago, improving to 8-0 — their best start since the 2017-18 season. Boozer, the 6'9" freshman forward, turned the game into his personal highlight reel: 35 points, nine rebounds, and a pair of clutch free throws that essentially ended Arkansas’s hopes. This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.
Boozer Takes Over When It Mattered Most
Arkansas didn’t go quietly. Down by 13 at halftime, they clawed back with a 10-3 run to take a 60-53 lead with 10:09 left. Meleek Thomas, the Razorbacks’ freshman guard, hit a three that sent the Arkansas bench into a frenzy. For a moment, it looked like the underdogs might pull off the upset. But then came Boozer.
He didn’t just score. He imposed his will. A driving layup. A putback dunk. Two ice-cold free throws. His four-point spurt in the final minute turned a one-point game into a seven-point cushion. He finished 13-of-20 from the field, including 4-of-7 from deep. And he did it against a physical Arkansas frontcourt that entered the game ranked among the nation’s top 15 in rebounding.
"He’s not just a scorer," said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer after the game. "He’s a presence. He sees the floor, he moves without the ball, and when the game tightens, he doesn’t flinch. That’s rare for a freshman."
Duke’s Supporting Cast Steps Up
Boozer didn’t do it alone. Caleb Foster, the sophomore guard, delivered the game’s most timely shot — a step-back three with 2:31 left that pushed Duke’s lead to 69-64. He finished with 15 points and eight assists, orchestrating Duke’s offense like a veteran. Patrick Ngongba II, the junior guard, added 11 points and played lockdown defense on Arkansas’s perimeter threats, including holding Darius Acuff Jr. to just 2-of-9 shooting after halftime.
Arkansas had its own stars. Acuff Jr. led all scorers early with 21 points, but faded after the break. Trevon Brazile, the sophomore forward, recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, but couldn’t stop Boozer in the paint. Meleek Thomas, who had just 3 points in the first half, erupted for 10 in the second — including a three that cut Duke’s lead to 70-69 with 2:56 left. But that was as close as they got.
Why This Game Matters Beyond the Box Score
Duke’s 8-0 start is more than a number. It’s a sign they’ve reloaded after losing five starters from last year’s NCAA runner-up team. Boozer, a top-five recruit, is becoming the focal point of a new identity: faster, more versatile, less reliant on one-dimensional shooting. They outscored Arkansas 16-6 on second-chance points despite only out-rebounding them 20-18 — a testament to their hustle and timing.
For Arkansas, the loss stings. Coach Eric Musselman called it "a learning experience." His team showed grit, but also inconsistency. They led by seven with 10 minutes left, then went 0-for-5 from the field in the final 5:30. "We made the plays we needed to make," Musselman said. "But Duke made the ones that counted."
What’s Next for Both Teams
Duke returns home to Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, to host No. 10 Florida on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The Gators bring a 7-1 record and a high-octane offense — a perfect test for Duke’s evolving defense.
Arkansas heads back to Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville to face No. 6 Louisville on Wednesday, December 3, in the ACC/SEC Challenge. The Cardinals, led by star guard Rylan Jones, are playing their best basketball of the season. If Arkansas wants to prove they’re a top-10 team, this is their chance.
The United Center Magic
Duke’s 10th win at the United Center ties them with Kansas for the most by any team at the venue since 2015. The arena, known for its electric crowds and neutral-site intensity, has become a second home for the Blue Devils. They’re now 10-2 there since 2020, with four wins over ranked opponents. "There’s something about this building," said Foster. "You feel the history. You know you’re playing on a stage."
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cameron Boozer’s performance compare to other Duke freshmen?
Boozer’s 35-point game is the highest-scoring performance by a Duke freshman since Zion Williamson dropped 37 against North Carolina in 2019. Only two Duke freshmen — Williamson and Jahlil Okafor — have scored more in a single game since 2015. What sets Boozer apart is his efficiency: 13-of-20 shooting, 4-of-7 from three, and 5-of-6 from the line. He’s not just a volume scorer; he’s a complete offensive weapon.
Why did Arkansas struggle in the final minutes despite leading?
Arkansas went 0-for-5 from the field and committed three turnovers in the final 5:30. Their offense became too reliant on isolation plays, and Duke’s defense switched seamlessly, denying driving lanes. Meanwhile, Arkansas’s bench didn’t score a single point after the 12-minute mark. Coach Musselman admitted they "lost their rhythm" and didn’t trust their system when pressure mounted.
What does this win mean for Duke’s NCAA Tournament chances?
With an 8-0 start and wins over two ranked teams (Arkansas and previous wins over No. 15 Marquette and No. 19 Texas), Duke is firmly in the top 5 of the NET rankings. Their non-conference schedule — including games against Florida, Michigan State, and a potential matchup with North Carolina in January — could vault them into the No. 1 seed conversation. The key will be consistency on the road and limiting turnovers.
Is this the best start Duke has had in the past decade?
Yes. Duke’s previous best start since 2015 was 7-0 in 2018-19 and 2021-22. Their 8-0 start in 2025 is their best since opening 11-0 in 2017-18, when they reached the Final Four. This year’s team lacks the star power of that roster, but the depth and chemistry are better. Five players are averaging double figures, and the bench has outscored opponents’ benches by an average of 12.3 points per game.
How did the United Center crowd impact the game?
The crowd, estimated at 21,500, was split roughly 60-40 in favor of Duke — a testament to the program’s national fanbase. But Arkansas fans made noise during their runs, especially when Meleek Thomas hit his three to tie the game at 64. Still, Duke’s players said the venue’s acoustics helped them communicate better on defense. "It felt like a home game," said Foster. "The energy pushed us when we needed it most."
What’s the significance of the ACC/SEC Challenge for both teams?
The ACC/SEC Challenge is a marquee non-conference event that impacts NCAA Tournament resume building. For Duke, a win over Florida could solidify them as a top-four seed. For Arkansas, a loss to Louisville would drop them out of the top 15 and make their path to March much harder. Both teams are now in must-win territory — no room for slip-ups if they want to make deep postseason runs.