When Cameron Boozer swatted away a last-second Kansas shot and immediately turned to sprint downcourt, the roar at Madison Square Garden wasn’t just for the win—it was for the arrival of something new. On , the Duke Blue Devils outlasted the Kansas Jayhawks 78-66 in the Champions ClassicNew York City, turning a tight, gritty game into a statement. Boozer, the 6’9" freshman phenom, dropped 18 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists—his second straight double-double—and became the focal point of a Duke team that’s suddenly looking like a national title contender. The final buzzer, at 10:11 p.m. CT, didn’t just close the book on a thrilling night—it cracked open a new chapter in college basketball.
The Turning Point: A Five-Minute Storm
With 5:12 left, the game was tied at 64. Kansas, clinging to hope after trailing by double digits in the first half, had clawed back behind a furious push from Tre White and Flory Bidunga. But then, Duke’s defense locked in like a vault. Over the next five minutes, the Jayhawks went 0-for-7 from the field, missing three layups, two jumpers, and a wide-open three. Meanwhile, Duke went on an 11-2 run—no flash, just execution. Caleb Foster, the veteran point guard returning for a fifth year, hit a tough floater. Patrick Ngongba II finished a baseline spin move. And Boozer? He drew a double-team, kicked to a wide-open Sarr, who drained a corner three. That shot made it 74-66 with 1:18 left. Kansas never recovered.Boozer’s Breakout: A Freshman Who Doesn’t Look Like One
The numbers tell part of the story: 13-of-18 shooting from the field, five offensive rebounds, three steals. But what stood out was his poise. In the first half, with Kansas pressing hard, Boozer didn’t panic. He used his length to seal defenders in the post, then spun with surprising agility. He didn’t force shots—he created them. His 10 rebounds included four on the offensive glass in the second half, directly leading to 15 second-chance points for Duke. “He’s got that old-school big-man feel,” said Jon Scheyer, Duke’s head coach, after the game. “He’s not flashy, but he’s always in the right spot. That’s rare for a freshman.”Kansas Without Peterson: A Team in Transition
The absence of Darryn Peterson, Kansas’ starting wing and defensive anchor, was glaring. He’d been ruled out “for the immediate future” after a lingering hamstring strain, and without him, the Jayhawks lost their primary perimeter threat and primary ball-handler in transition. Tre White, normally a role player, was forced into a 30-minute scoring role and finished with 14 points on 5-of-15 shooting. Flory Bidunga, who had scored 25 against Princeton just two days earlier, managed only 12 against Duke’s physical front line. “We missed Darryn’s IQ,” said Bill Self, Kansas’ longtime coach. “He’s the guy who knows when to kick, when to drive, when to stop. We’re trying to replace a brain, not just a body.”
The Garden’s Magic: Scheyer’s Unbeaten Record
Jon Scheyer is now 4-0 as Duke’s head coach at Madison Square Garden, and the Blue Devils have won nine straight there. That’s not luck—it’s culture. Duke’s record in current NBA arenas? 105-35. No other program comes close. The energy in the building was electric, with Duke fans outnumbering Kansas supporters by nearly 3-to-1. “It’s what dreams are made of,” said Caleb Foster, who returned for another year after a brief NBA draft consideration. “You come here to play in games like this. Not just to win—but to be remembered.”A Season in Motion: What This Means
Duke’s 5-0 start is their best since 2019. They’ve outscored opponents by an average of 21.2 points per game, with Boozer, Evans (16 points in this game), and Ngongba forming a terrifying trio inside. Their 13 offensive rebounds against Kansas were a season-high. Meanwhile, Kansas’ 3-2 record feels more like a team in rebuilding mode than a top-25 contender. They still have talent—Bidunga is a future NBA prospect—but without Peterson, their rhythm is broken. Their next three games—against Notre Dame, Syracuse, and then a home game against Kentucky—are a brutal gauntlet.And here’s the twist: Duke hasn’t even hit its ceiling yet. Freshman guard Dame Sarr, who had seven assists and two steals, is still finding his footing. And sophomore forward Jalen Washington, who didn’t play due to a minor ankle tweak, is expected back next week. This isn’t just a good Duke team. It’s a deep, balanced, physically dominant one—exactly the kind that wins March games.
What’s Next?
Duke heads home to Cameron Indoor Stadium for a showdown with #13 Kentucky on November 26. Kansas, meanwhile, faces a tough road trip to South Bend, where Notre Dame has already beaten two ranked teams this season. The Jayhawks need Peterson back—soon. And Duke? They’re not just playing for wins anymore. They’re playing for legacy.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cameron Boozer’s performance compare to other Duke freshmen in recent years?
Boozer’s 18-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist line in his second game matches or exceeds the start of recent Duke stars like Paolo Banchero (17/7/4 in his second game in 2021) and Zion Williamson (21/8/3 in his debut). But what sets Boozer apart is his efficiency—he shot 72% from the field against Kansas, the highest by a Duke freshman in a game with 15+ points since 2015. His rebounding and playmaking also suggest he’s more complete than most one-and-done prospects.
Why is Madison Square Garden so significant for Duke’s program?
Duke has played 140 games in NBA arenas since 2000, winning 105 of them—a .750 winning percentage, the highest among all Division I programs. The Garden alone has hosted 22 Duke games since 2005, with a 19-3 record. For a program that recruits elite talent, playing in iconic venues like MSG builds prestige, attracts recruits, and creates memorable moments that fans remember for decades.
How has Kansas’ injury situation affected their season outlook?
Losing Darryn Peterson, their leading perimeter defender and secondary scorer, is a major blow. Kansas ranked 12th nationally in defensive efficiency last season, and Peterson was central to that. Without him, their half-court offense struggles to generate rhythm. If he’s out more than three weeks, their top-10 NCAA Tournament hopes could slip. Their upcoming games against Notre Dame and Syracuse will be critical tests of depth.
What does this win mean for Duke’s national title chances?
This win over a top-25 team on a neutral court, combined with their depth and defensive intensity, makes Duke a legitimate contender. They’re now 5-0 with wins over three teams that made the NCAA Tournament last year. Their ability to dominate the paint (38 points inside vs. Kansas) and control tempo suggests they can beat anyone. If Boozer keeps playing like this and Sarr develops, they’re not just a top-5 team—they’re a Final Four threat.
