Duke dominated Kansas with a convincing 80-66 victory in the Champions Classic. Freshman sensation Cameron Boozer led the charge at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 18. The #5 Blue Devils improved to 5-0 with this dominant win. Kansas fell to 3-2 in a defensive showcase.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Cameron Boozer delivered a masterclass with 28 points and 12 rebounds
- Duke held Kansas to just 40% shooting from the field
- Game played at Madison Square Garden on November 18, 2025
- Duke’s defense forced 16 turnovers from the Jayhawks
- Championship pedigree: Both teams ranked in top 25
What Happened at MSG?
Duke’s elite defense set the tone from tip-off. Boozer immediately established his dominance in the paint. He attacked relentlessly, drawing fouls and finishing with precision. The Blue Devils suffocated Kansas’ perimeter shooting throughout the matchup.
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By halftime, Duke led by double digits with a commanding 45-31 advantage. Boozer had already accumulated 16 points and 8 rebounds by the break. Kansas struggled to find offensive rhythm against Duke’s physical defense.
“Cameron Boozer is already setting college basketball records through four games.”
The second half proved no different. Duke maintained their defensive intensity. Boozer continued his assault, adding 12 second-half points. Kansas mounted brief runs but couldn’t close the gap. The final score of 80-66 reflected Duke’s complete dominance.
Why Duke’s Blueprint Matters
This victory showcased what elite college basketball looks like. Duke’s defense, led by coach Jon Scheyer, forced Kansas into uncomfortable positions all night. The Blue Devils proved they can beat anyone with their lockdown approach.
Cameron Boozer has become must-see basketball. His combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ is rare. At just eighteen years old, he’s playing like a seasoned veteran. NBA scouts watched intently from the stands.
Kansas fans saw their Jayhawks struggle against superior depth and execution. This loss stings because the Champions Classic is high-profile. However, Kansas remains a tournament-caliber team with Bill Self leading the program.
The Stats Tell the Story
Here’s how the teams compared in this lopsided matchup:
| Stat | Duke | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 80 | 66 |
| Field Goal % | 48.5% | 40% |
| Rebounds | 42 | 28 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 16 |
| Bench Points | 24 | 14 |
Duke won the rebound battle decisively with 42 compared to Kansas’s 28. This edge in the paint proved crucial all night. Boozer’s presence made the difference on glass.
Bench production favored the Blue Devils 24-14. Duke’s depth tested Kansas throughout the game. Fresh legs constantly challenged the Jayhawks on both ends.
What Comes Next for Both Teams?
Here’s where each team heads moving forward:
- Duke enters the stretch with national championship expectations firmly intact
- Cameron Boozer is now a legitimate lottery pick conversation for next NBA Draft
- Kansas must regroup and prove they belong in tournament mix
- Both teams face quality opponents in coming weeks
- Duke’s depth gives them versatility coaches covet
Duke will look to extend their undefeated record. Tournament season approaches rapidly. Cameron Boozer’s continued development could make the difference in their postseason push.
Kansas needs to find answers on defense. Bill Self’s squad will bounce back, but this loss revealed defensive vulnerabilities. Better teams will expose similar weaknesses ahead.
How Does Duke’s Victory Impact March Madness Odds?
Oddsmakers immediately adjusted after this performance. Duke moved closer to +500 championship odds. Win probability models had them improving to nearly 9% championship chances.
Cameron Boozer’s star power cannot be overlooked. His performance puts Duke firmly on every tournament preview. Experts highlighted his maturity as NBA-ready already.
National viewers got exactly what they expected: championship-level basketball from the Blue Devils. Duke’s coaching staff deserves credit for developing elite defense with young talent.
Watch the highlights below to see Boozer’s dominant display:
Is Duke the team to beat this season? The answer appears increasingly obvious.
Sources
- ESPN – Live game coverage and final statistics
- USA Today Sports – Pre-game player analysis and performance breakdown
- CBS Sports – Real-time game updates and expert commentary
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.