When Cameron Boozer dropped 35 points on Arkansas Razorbacks in a raucous Chicago arena, it wasn’t just a career night—it was a statement. The freshman forward’s explosive performance led the Duke Blue Devils to an 80-71 victory over the Razorbacks on Thursday, November 27, 2025, improving Duke’s record to 8-0—their best start since the 2017-18 season. The win wasn’t pretty, but it was telling: for the first time under third-year head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke didn’t fold under pressure. They closed.
A Game That Tested Duke’s New Identity
For years, Scheyer’s Duke teams were known for flashy offense and heartbreaking finishes. They’d lead by 15, then watch it vanish in the final five minutes. Fans still remember the 2023 loss to Kentucky where a late three-pointer by a freshman guard sent the Blue Devils home in tears. This game? Different. Arkansas, led by freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr., clawed back from a 13-point deficit to take a 60-53 lead with just over 10 minutes left. The Razorbacks had momentum. The crowd in Chicago was electric. And Duke? They didn’t panic.
That’s when Caleb Foster, the sophomore point guard, took over. With 2:58 left, Arkansas pulled within one at 70-69 after a deep three from Acuff Jr. Foster didn’t hesitate. He caught the inbounds pass, stepped behind the arc, and drained a dagger. 73-69. The arena fell silent. Then came Boozer—the real star of the night. On the next possession, he drove hard, absorbed contact, and finished with a thunderous dunk. The foul. The free throws. Four-point play. 77-69. With 1:06 remaining, Arkansas missed its final five shots. No field goals. No hope.
Who Carried the Load?
Boozer’s 35 points came on 13-of-21 shooting, including 9-for-10 from the line. He added nine rebounds, two blocks, and a quiet, relentless poise that belied his freshman status. He scored 15 in the first half, then waited—patient, relentless—until the moment called for him. Patrick Ngongba II added 11 points, including a critical putback that gave Duke the lead for good at 66-64. Foster’s 15 points and eight assists were the glue, especially his defense on Acuff Jr. in the final minutes.
For Arkansas, Acuff Jr. led all scorers with 21 points, but he went 0-for-4 in the last three minutes. Meleek Thomas chipped in 13, and Trevon Brazile nearly doubled up with 11 points and 11 rebounds. But when it mattered, the Razorbacks couldn’t find a rhythm. Their offense stalled. Their shots clanked. Their bench stayed quiet.
A Turning Point for Scheyer’s Program
"The exact type of game that young Jon Scheyer teams the past three years have lost," read one post on the Duke Basketball Report forum. And that’s the real story here. This wasn’t just a win over a ranked team. It was proof that Scheyer’s squad had grown up. In 2023, Duke lost to Tennessee in the second round of the NCAA Tournament after blowing a 12-point second-half lead. Last year, they collapsed against Kansas in the Sweet 16. This year? They didn’t just survive a late rally—they ended it.
That’s the difference between a talented team and a championship-caliber one. Duke didn’t have a perfect night. They turned the ball over 16 times. They shot just 42% from the field. But they made the plays when the game was on the line. And that’s something Scheyer’s previous teams couldn’t do.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Duke heads home to Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, to host No. 10 Florida on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The Gators, 7-1 and loaded with NBA-caliber guards, will be their toughest test yet. But if Duke can close like they did against Arkansas, they’ll be in serious contention for a top seed in March.
Arkansas, meanwhile, drops to 5-3 and will host No. 6 Louisville on Wednesday, December 3, at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville. The Razorbacks still have talent—Acuff Jr. and Thomas are electric—but they need to learn how to win the close ones. Their defense, which held Duke to 18% shooting in the final 10 minutes, was a silver lining. But their offense disappeared when it mattered most.
Historical Context: A Rare Meeting
This was only the sixth meeting between Duke and Arkansas in men’s basketball history. The last came in 2019, when Duke won 85-75 in the Maui Invitational. Neither team had met since, making this a rare non-conference clash with serious tournament resume implications. Both teams entered the game ranked—Duke at No. 4, Arkansas at No. 22—making it one of the most anticipated early-season matchups of the 2025-26 season.
Arkansas had been playing well, beating unranked teams like Eastern Kentucky and Alabama State, but losing to top-10 teams in the Battle 4 Atlantis. Duke, meanwhile, had cruised through non-conference play, but this was their first true road test. And they passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cameron Boozer’s performance compare to other Duke freshmen?
Boozer’s 35 points are the most by a Duke freshman since Zion Williamson scored 38 against North Carolina in 2019. Only two other Duke freshmen—Jahlil Okafor (35 in 2015) and Jayson Tatum (34 in 2017)—have reached 35+ points in a single game. What sets Boozer apart is his efficiency: he shot 62% from the field and 90% from the line, showing rare maturity for a first-year player in a high-pressure environment.
Why was this game considered a turning point for Jon Scheyer?
Scheyer’s previous Duke teams (2022–2024) were known for blowing late leads—losing six games by 10 or fewer points in the final five minutes. This win marks the first time since he took over that Duke not only survived a late rally but ended it decisively. The ability to execute under pressure, especially with a young roster, signals a shift from talent-based basketball to championship-level poise.
What does this win mean for Duke’s NCAA Tournament chances?
With an 8-0 record and a win over a top-25 team on a neutral court, Duke has solidified its resume. Their next two games—against No. 10 Florida and then ACC conference play—will be critical. If they can win those, they’re in strong position for a No. 1 seed. This win adds a quality non-conference victory to their profile, something they’ve lacked in recent years.
How did Arkansas’ defense perform, and what’s the concern?
Arkansas held Duke to 18% shooting from the field in the final 10 minutes—a remarkable defensive effort. But the concern is their offense. They went 0-for-8 from the field in the final 2:58 and turned the ball over twice in that span. Their young guards, Acuff Jr. and Thomas, are talented but inconsistent. Against Louisville, they’ll need to finish possessions, not just stop them.
Why was the game played in Chicago?
The game was part of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge’s neutral-site matchups, a series designed to boost exposure and create high-stakes non-conference games. Chicago, with its strong college basketball fanbase and central location, is a popular neutral site for such games. The venue wasn’t disclosed, but it was likely the United Center or Wintrust Arena, both of which host major college matchups.
Is Cameron Boozer a potential NBA draft pick?
Early projections now list Boozer as a potential top-10 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. His combination of size (6’8”), athleticism, and scoring efficiency—especially his ability to finish through contact—draws comparisons to Victor Oladipo and Jayson Tatum. Scouts are particularly impressed by his footwork and court awareness, rare traits for a freshman. If he maintains this level, he could be a lottery lock by next spring.
