The Duke Blue Devils didn’t just win—they announced themselves. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 9 p.m. EST, the No. 5 Blue Devils outclassed the No. 24 Kansas Jayhawks 78-66 in the State Farm Champions ClassicMadison Square Garden, a venue that’s seen legends rise and dynasties tested. Freshman forward Cameron Boozer led the charge with 18 points, turning heads in his first major national stage. It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Duke improved to 5-0; Kansas fell to 3-2. And for a Jayhawks team trying to prove they belong among the elite, this loss stings harder than the final buzzer.
A First Half That Set the Tone
Duke didn’t wait for the second half to make their presence known. They came out firing, outscoring Kansas 41-33 in the opening 20 minutes. The Blue Devils moved the ball with surgical precision, hitting 10 of their 22 three-pointers before halftime. Their defense? Suffocating. Kansas, known for its 17.7 assists per game last season, managed just 11 assists in the first half—well below their season average. The Jayhawks looked out of sync, their usual rhythm disrupted by Duke’s switching scheme and relentless closeouts. Meanwhile, Boozer, a 6’8” freshman with NBA athleticism, attacked the rim with confidence, finishing at the glass and drawing fouls. He didn’t just score—he imposed his will.
Why This Game Mattered More Than the Score
For Duke, this wasn’t just another early-season win. It was validation. Last year, they went 35-4 overall and won the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular season title with a 19-1 record. They averaged 83.2 points per game, hitting nearly 30 points from beyond the arc. This year’s team, led by head coach Jon Scheyer, looks like a repeat contender. But beating a top-25 team on the road—well, in Manhattan—is different. This win cements them as a national title threat.
For Kansas, it was a reality check. The Jayhawks finished 21-13 last season, 11-9 in the Big 12. They’re rebuilding after losing three starters. Their ranking at No. 24 was hopeful, not earned. A win over Duke would’ve been their signature win of the season—instead, they were held to 66 points, 15 below their season average. Their offense, which thrives on ball movement, looked stagnant. No one scored more than 14 for Kansas. And when the game was on the line, they turned it over three times in the final four minutes.
The Garden That Never Sleeps
Madison Square Garden, at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, has been the stage for college basketball’s biggest moments since the Champions Classic began in 2011. With nearly 20,000 fans packed in, the energy was electric. The crowd split evenly—blue and crimson jerseys clashing under the arena’s iconic rafters. The noise peaked when Boozer threw down a two-handed jam late in the second half, silencing a section of Kansas fans who had been chanting “Rock Chalk” since tip-off. The arena, with its history of Michael Jordan, Carmelo Anthony, and Carmelo Anthony again, felt like it was holding its breath for this one—and Duke delivered.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
Duke’s path to March just got clearer. They’ll face a tougher ACC slate—Virginia, Clemson, and North Carolina loom—but this win gives them credibility. Their non-conference schedule now includes a signature win over a Big 12 powerhouse. ESPN’s pregame analytics, powered by Sportradar, had projected Duke to win by 8. They won by 12. That’s not just covering the spread—it’s dominating it.
Kansas, meanwhile, faces a tougher road. They’re now 3-2, with Big 12 play starting in December. Their next two games are against mid-major opponents, but the loss to Duke will haunt their RPI and NET rankings. If they want to make the NCAA Tournament, they’ll need to win the Big 12—or at least finish in the top four. That’s going to be hard with this kind of early stumble. Coach Bill Self, usually unflappable, looked visibly frustrated on the bench in the final minutes. He knows: this isn’t just a loss. It’s a missed opportunity.
The Bigger Picture: Non-Conference Showcases Still Matter
Some say non-conference games don’t count. They’re wrong. In an era of early-season tournaments and neutral-site matchups, these games are the measuring stick. Duke didn’t just win—they proved they can beat elite competition away from Cameron Indoor Stadium. Kansas didn’t just lose—they showed they’re not yet ready for the national stage. The State Farm Champions Classic isn’t just a marketing event. It’s a trial by fire. And Tuesday night, Duke passed with flying colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cameron Boozer’s performance impact Duke’s win?
Cameron Boozer’s 18-point outing was the spark Duke needed. As a freshman, he didn’t just score—he attacked the paint, drew fouls (he went 6-for-7 from the line), and provided defensive versatility against Kansas’s bigger frontcourt. His energy lifted Duke’s bench and forced Kansas to adjust defensively, opening up space for guards like Jalen Johnson and DJ Burns. This wasn’t just a good debut—it was a game-changing performance.
Why was this game considered a critical test for Kansas?
Kansas entered the game ranked No. 24 but hadn’t beaten a top-10 team since March 2024. Their non-conference schedule had been soft, and this matchup against Duke was their chance to prove they belonged among the nation’s elite. Holding Duke under 80 points was the goal—instead, they allowed 78 while scoring just 66, well below their season average. The loss exposed their lack of offensive firepower and depth, making their NCAA Tournament hopes much more uncertain.
How does this result affect Duke’s national ranking?
Duke was already a top-five team, but this win should push them into the top three. Beating a ranked opponent on a neutral court, especially one with Kansas’s pedigree, carries weight with the AP and Coaches Poll voters. Their 5-0 start, combined with a dominant performance against a Big 12 contender, makes them a serious contender for the No. 1 spot if they keep winning. Their next test? A home game against No. 14 Auburn on November 27.
What’s the historical significance of the State Farm Champions Classic?
Since its inception in 2011, the Champions Classic has featured matchups between college basketball’s most storied programs—Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, and Michigan State. Duke is 7-3 all-time in the event, including wins over Kansas in 2013 and 2019. This 2025 victory extends their dominance in the series, reinforcing their reputation as a program that thrives under pressure. The game is often a predictor of March success: 11 of the last 14 Champions Classic winners made the Final Four.
How did Duke’s defense limit Kansas’s offense?
Duke’s defense held Kansas to just 39% shooting from the field and forced 14 turnovers. They doubled the Jayhawks’ leading scorer, junior guard Trey Eckhoff, whenever he drove, forcing him into tough passes. Duke also limited second-chance points—Kansas grabbed only six offensive rebounds. Their zone defense in the second half, particularly against Kansas’s pick-and-roll, disrupted their rhythm. It was the most disciplined defensive performance Duke has had since the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
What’s next for both teams after this game?
Duke returns home to face Auburn (No. 14) on November 27, then travels to Virginia Tech in ACC play on December 7. Kansas heads to Tulsa on November 22, then plays at home against Iowa State on December 1. Both teams will be closely watched as conference play begins in December—Duke as a title favorite, Kansas as a team trying to salvage its season.