Duke dominated Kansas in convincing fashion at Madison Square Garden. The No. 5 Blue Devils crushed the No. 24 Jayhawks 80-66 on Nov. 18, 2025. Freshman phenom Cameron Boozer put on a masterclass with 28 points. Duke’s elite defense proved too much to overcome.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Cameron Boozer delivered 28 points and 12 rebounds in the Champion Classic
- Duke shot 48.5% while holding Kansas to just 40% from the field
- Game played at Madison Square Garden on November 18, 2025
- Duke’s defense forced 16 turnovers from the Jayhawks
- Duke improved to 5-0 while Kansas fell to 3-2
What Happened in This Championship Matchup?
Duke’s elite defense set the tone from the opening tip. Boozer immediately established 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 impressive 45-31 advantage. Boozer had already accumulated 16 points and 8 rebounds before the break. Kansas struggled finding offensive rhythm against Duke’s physical defensive intensity.
“Cameron Boozer is already setting college basketball records through four games.”
The second half proved no different in execution. Duke maintained their defensive intensity perfectly. Boozer continued his assault adding 12 second-half points. Kansas mounted brief runs but couldn’t close the gap. Final score reflected Duke’s complete dominance.
Why This Performance Matters for March Madness
This victory showcased what elite college basketball looks like today. Duke’s defense, led by coach Jon Scheyer, forced Kansas into uncomfortable positions all night. The Blue Devils proved they can beat anyone with lockdown defensive approach.
Cameron Boozer has become must-see basketball already. His combination of size, athleticism and basketball IQ remains 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. This loss stings because the Champions Classic is high-profile. However, Kansas remains a tournament-caliber team with Bill Self leading.
Breaking Down the Statistics and Rebounding Battle
Here’s how the teams compared in this lopsided matchup between conference powerhouses:
| 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 the 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’s Next for Both Teams 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 the coming weeks ahead
- Duke’s depth gives them versatility coaches covet heading forward
Duke will extend their undefeated record in valuable competition. Tournament season approaches rapidly. Boozer’s continued development could seal their postseason push.
Can Kansas Bounce Back From This Loss to Stay Relevant?
Kansas needs to find answers on defense moving forward. Bill Self’s squad will bounce back, but this loss revealed defensive vulnerabilities. Better teams will expose similar weaknesses in future matchups.
The Jayhawks showed fighting spirit despite the deficit. Flory Bidunga led Kansas with 17 points and solid rebounding. However, individual efforts weren’t enough against Duke’s balanced attack.
Can Kansas recapture their defensive intensity? The schedule allows for redemption opportunities. Bill Self will have this team ready for their next high-profile matchup.
Sources
- ESPN – Live game coverage and final statistics
- Red94 Sports – Game analysis and player breakdown
- CBS Sports – Real-time 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.