Full Breakdown
Cameron Boozer Leads Duke to Victory Over Arkansas in Thanksgiving Classic
11/28/2025, 1:18:38 PM
Duke's Strong Performance
On November 27, 2025, No. 4 Duke University defeated No. 22 University of Arkansas 80-71 at the United Center in Chicago, marking Duke's best start to a season since 2017-18. Freshman forward Cameron Boozer was the standout player, scoring a game-high 35 points while also contributing nine rebounds and three assists. Boozer's performance was pivotal, particularly in the second half, where he scored 20 of his points, helping Duke secure the win and improve to 8-0 for the season.
Game Dynamics
The game began with a sluggish start for Duke, who missed several shots and fell behind early. Arkansas built a seven-point lead in the first half, but Duke responded with a 10-0 run led by Boozer, who scored eight points during that stretch. The Blue Devils entered halftime with a 41-35 lead. In the second half, Arkansas surged back, taking a 60-53 lead with just over ten minutes remaining, but Duke's resilience shone through as they closed the game on a 10-2 run.
Key Contributions
In addition to Boozer's impressive scoring, Caleb Foster added 15 points and Patrick Ngongba II contributed 11 points for Duke. Arkansas's offense was led by freshman Darius Acuff Jr., who scored 21 points, while Meleek Thomas added 13 points. Despite their efforts, Arkansas struggled against Duke's physicality and size, being outscored 42-28 in the paint and losing the rebounding battle 37-29.
Official Statements & Responses
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer praised Boozer's performance, stating, “He just put us on his back. Thirty-five points, nine rebounds, just passing, doing everything.” Arkansas coach John Calipari acknowledged Boozer's impact, calling him a "beast" and noting that the Razorbacks struggled to contain him once he found his rhythm.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the loss, Arkansas showed promise, particularly with the performances of Acuff and Thomas. However, Calipari highlighted the need for improvement, stating, “We had our chances to win…and we didn’t answer.” The Razorbacks' inability to secure rebounds and defend the paint was a recurring issue, which they will need to address as they prepare for their next game against No. 6 Louisville.
What's Next
Duke will face No. 10 Florida on December 2 as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge, while Arkansas looks to bounce back against Louisville. Both teams will need to refine their strategies as they continue through a challenging early-season schedule.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Cameron was, you know, he was a beast,” — John Calipari, Arkansas Head Coach
- “He just put us on his back,” — Jon Scheyer, Duke Head Coach
- “We realized that they weren’t helping from the other big and they didn’t really have an answer for me,” — Cameron Boozer, Duke Forward
Duke's victory not only showcases Boozer's potential as a top NBA prospect but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead for both teams.
