On November 18, 2025, the Duke Blue Devils didn’t just win a game—they settled a score. In front of a roaring crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the No. 5-ranked Blue Devils outlasted the No. 24 Kansas Jayhawks 78-66 in the annual Champions ClassicMadison Square Garden, exacting revenge for a painful 2024 defeat in Las Vegas. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t clean. But it was decisive. Duke closed the game on a 13-5 run, turned 13 offensive rebounds into 15 second-chance points, and dominated the paint with 38 points inside. And they did it without their star player being the focal point—because, this time, the whole team carried the load.
Depth Over Stars
Kansas entered the game without their leading scorer, a fact that echoed through fan forums like the Duke Basketball Report. "We played very OK," wrote one user. "A handful of Kansas guys played some of the best basketball of their lives... and we STILL won comfortably?" The irony wasn’t lost on Duke fans. Kansas fought hard—despite missing their centerpiece—but Duke’s depth was the difference. Head coach Jon (last name unconfirmed) rotated nine players aggressively, keeping legs fresh through the final minutes. Darren and Nik, two bench contributors, made critical impacts in the second half. "Darren getting second half minutes and Nik always making an impact on the floor is a great sign," noted one analyst. That rotation wasn’t just about rest—it was a psychological weapon. Kansas wore down. Duke didn’t.The Boozer Breakthrough
Cameron Boozer—sometimes listed as Kaden or Cayden in reports—was the quiet engine of Duke’s offense. Despite shooting just 6-for-18 from the field, he grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out 5 assists, and finished with 18 points. His ability to attack the rim and draw fouls kept Kansas’ defense guessing. "He’s not scoring efficiently," said a commentator on the ACC Digital Network’s condensed game video, "but he’s making the game easier for everyone else." That’s the sign of a true leader. Isaiah Evans added 16 points, and Patrick Ngongba II chipped in 13, giving Duke three double-digit scorers. No one player carried them. That’s the point.Point Guard Chemistry
The real story, though, was the backcourt. Duke’s twin guards—Caleb and Cayden—played in tandem for most of the second half, and it was electric. "Caleb’s first half was one of his most complete in a Duke uniform," wrote a forum user. "And Cayden? He was the X factor." Cayden, in particular, shifted the momentum after halftime with drives, deflections, and timely passes. "CFos + Cayden certainly creates more flowy offense," the same user added. "Cayden without CFos can become a defensive liability. CFos without Cayden to start the game makes the offense stagnant." The coaching staff now has a clear blueprint: play them together. The chemistry isn’t just developing—it’s becoming dangerous.Kansas Fought, But Couldn’t Sustain
Kansas didn’t quit. They held a six-point lead in the first half. Dawson hit tough mid-range jumpers. White drained a clutch three that had the Jayhawks’ bench on their feet. Bunga hustled for loose balls, and Brown executed a perfect backdoor cut. But they lacked the final punch. Their shooting was hot in bursts, but cold in stretches. Duke’s defense, though not perfect, forced 14 turnovers and held Kansas to just 33 points in each half—exactly what you need to win a grind-it-out game. "They needed that three," said the play-by-play voice at the 139-second mark. "They needed it in a big way." They didn’t get it. Not often enough.
Why This Matters
This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. Duke improved to 5-0, and their non-conference schedule just got a lot more impressive. Kansas fell to 3-2, and questions now swirl around their ability to compete without their star. But the bigger picture? This game proves Duke isn’t just relying on one or two elite prospects. They’re building a team. A deep, balanced, unselfish team. And that’s the kind of team that wins ACC titles—and maybe even a national championship.What’s Next?
Duke heads into ACC play with momentum. Their next test: a home game against a surging Florida State team. Kansas returns to Big 12 action with a tough road trip to Baylor. But the real story will be how Duke’s point guard duo evolves. Will Jon keep them together? Will Cayden’s defense tighten? And will Kansas find a new identity without their star? The answers are coming fast.Historical Context: A Rivalry Rekindled
The Champions Classic, held every November at Madison Square Garden since 2011, pits college basketball’s blue bloods against each other. Duke and Kansas have met here six times since 2011, with Duke holding a 4-2 edge. But last year’s 79-74 loss in Las Vegas stung. It wasn’t just the result—it was how it happened. Duke looked flat. Kansas looked hungry. This year, the roles reversed. Duke came out sharp. Kansas, despite grit, looked like a team still searching. The rivalry isn’t just about wins—it’s about pride. And tonight, Duke reclaimed theirs.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Duke’s bench contribute to the win?
Duke’s bench, particularly Darren and Nik, provided crucial energy in the second half, combining for 14 points and 7 rebounds. Their ability to maintain defensive intensity while keeping the offense flowing allowed the starters to rest without losing momentum—a key factor in Duke’s 13-5 closing run.
Why is Cameron Boozer’s performance significant despite his shooting struggles?
Boozer’s 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists came on just 6-of-18 shooting, but his impact went beyond scoring. He drew double teams, created space for teammates, and attacked the rim relentlessly, drawing seven free throw attempts. His hustle and decision-making made him the team’s most valuable player—even when he wasn’t sinking shots.
What does Kansas’ performance without their star say about their team?
Kansas showed resilience—multiple players stepped up, and they competed hard for 40 minutes. But the absence of their leading scorer exposed a lack of consistent scoring options beyond their top three. Without a true go-to option, they struggled to close out tight possessions, a flaw that could haunt them in Big 12 play.
How does this win affect Duke’s ACC title chances?
This victory adds significant credibility to Duke’s resume before conference play begins. Beating a top-25 team on a neutral court with depth and discipline signals they’re not just a one-star team. If they continue to play unselfishly and develop their guard tandem, they’re legitimate contenders for the ACC regular-season title.
What’s the significance of the Champions Classic in college basketball?
The Champions Classic, held annually at Madison Square Garden since 2011, is one of the most prestigious early-season matchups in college basketball. It features traditional powerhouses like Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, and Michigan State, often serving as a barometer for national title contention. Winning here boosts recruiting, national visibility, and postseason resume strength.
Why is the point guard pairing of Caleb and Cayden so important for Duke?
Caleb brings structure and poise, especially in the first half, while Cayden provides explosive playmaking and defensive energy off the bench. When they play together, Duke’s offense flows better, defenses get confused, and the team’s pace increases. Their synergy could be the key to unlocking Duke’s ceiling this season.