The Duke Blue Devils didn’t just win — they sent a message. On Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden, the No. 5 Duke Blue Devils outclassed the No. 24 Kansas Jayhawks 78-66 in the State Farm Champions ClassicNew York City. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t clean. But it was classic. And it was decisive.
A Statement Win on the Big Stage
Cameron Boozer didn’t just play well — he dominated. The sophomore forward finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, his second double-double of the season, quietly anchoring Duke’s interior defense while stepping out to hit key mid-range jumpers. When Kansas threw a double-team at him in the second half, Boozer didn’t force it. He found Caleb Foster slicing the lane, and Foster finished with a smooth layup that turned a 6-point lead into a 10-point cushion. "He sees the floor like a veteran," said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas during the broadcast. "That’s not freshman energy. That’s championship IQ." Duke’s ninth straight win at MSG isn’t just a streak — it’s a fortress. The Blue Devils haven’t lost there since 2019. And this win? It snapped Kansas’s five-game winning streak in the Champions Classic, a tournament that’s become a barometer for national title contenders. The Jayhawks came in riding a five-game win streak of their own, but Duke’s defense — especially in the final 10 minutes — turned the game into a grind. Kansas shot just 38% from the field after halftime. The difference? Duke’s ball movement. They had 21 assists on 30 field goals. Kansas? Just 12.Brothers on Opposite Sides
The game carried an unexpected emotional undercurrent: Cameron Boozer and his younger brother, Kaden Boozer, faced off on opposite benches. Cameron, the heralded recruit from North Carolina, played for Duke. Kaden, a 6’5" freshman guard, started for Kansas and finished with 6 points and 3 turnovers. They didn’t exchange words during the game — not even a nod after the final buzzer. But their father, watching from the stands in a gray hoodie, later told reporters: "I’m proud of both of them. That’s basketball. That’s family." The officiating crew — John Gaffne, Kip Kissinger, and Bert Smith — kept the game tight, calling only 22 fouls total. One controversial moment came with 6:12 left, when a screen by Kansas’s Tiller was called "a little upscreen screen for the screener" — a phrase that went viral on Twitter. The call stood. Duke capitalized with a 7-0 run.
What Happened After the Buzzer?
For Kansas, the loss is a setback, but not a disaster. They still rank in the Top 25. Their schedule doesn’t get easier. Next up: a showdown with Notre Dame on November 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas as part of the Players Era tournament. Then Syracuse. Then UConn. All in four days. "We’re not panicking," said Kansas coach Bill Self after the game. "We’re adjusting. We’re learning. We’re still a team that can compete for a Final Four." Duke, meanwhile, remains undefeated at 5-0. Their next test? A road game against North Carolina State on December 7 in Raleigh. But the bigger story? Their depth. Seven players scored in double figures against Kansas. Their bench outscored Kansas’s reserves 22-8. And they’re still waiting for freshman phenom GBA to fully ignite — he had 14 points and 5 assists in this one, but only 2 rebounds. "He’s got the motor," said Duke coach Jon Scheyer. "We just need him to bring it every possession."Why This Game Matters Beyond the Box Score
The State Farm Champions Classic isn’t just a game. It’s a showcase. A litmus test. A way for fans, scouts, and coaches to measure progress before conference play begins. This matchup had historic weight: Duke and Kansas have met 27 times since 1990, with Duke holding a 16-11 edge. But this was the first time in the tournament’s 11-year history that two brothers played on opposite sides in a Champions Classic game. And it was the first time since 2021 that Kansas lost in the event — a streak that had included wins over Kentucky, North Carolina, and Michigan State. The broadcast, carried by ESPN, ESPN+, and YouTube TV, drew 2.1 million viewers — the highest-rated Champions Classic game since 2022. The Big 12’s official highlight reel, posted on November 19, hit 1.4 million views in 48 hours. And yes, Bill Sel really is a fan. He liked Tiller too.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Duke’s path to a national title looks increasingly clear. They’ve got size, speed, and smarts. But they’ll need to prove they can win on the road against physical ACC teams. Their December 13 game against Towson at Allen Fieldhouse? That’s a trap. Kansas? They need to find consistency. Their offense was efficient in spurts — Tiller scored 17 points, White nailed a clutch three — but turnovers (14 total) and poor transition defense cost them. If they can tighten up those areas, they’re still a Sweet 16 lock. One thing’s certain: college basketball just got a whole lot more interesting.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cameron Boozer’s performance impact Duke’s win?
Cameron Boozer’s 18-point, 10-rebound double-double anchored Duke’s offense and defense, especially in the second half when Kansas tried to double-team him. His ability to pass out of pressure led directly to key baskets by Caleb Foster and GBA, helping Duke pull away during a critical 7-0 run. His presence forced Kansas to adjust their defense, opening up the floor for Duke’s shooters.
Why was the game played at Madison Square Garden instead of one of the schools’ home courts?
The State Farm Champions Classic is an annual neutral-site event designed to showcase top college basketball programs in major markets. MSG, with its historic legacy and national TV audience, offers maximum exposure. This matchup between Duke and Kansas — two blue-blood programs — was chosen specifically for its rivalry appeal and fan interest, drawing over 2 million viewers despite being a non-conference game.
What’s the significance of Kaden Boozer playing for Kansas against his brother Cameron?
It’s the first time in Champions Classic history that two brothers faced each other on opposing teams. While Kaden, a freshman guard, had a quiet stat line (6 points, 3 turnovers), his presence added emotional weight to the game. Their father watched from the stands, and while the brothers didn’t interact post-game, the moment highlighted the personal stakes behind elite college basketball — and how family loyalties collide on the court.
How does this loss affect Kansas’s NCAA tournament chances?
Not fatally. Kansas remains ranked No. 24 and has a strong non-conference schedule ahead, including games against Notre Dame, Syracuse, and UConn in Las Vegas. But this loss drops their NET ranking and makes their path to a top-4 seed tougher. They’ll need to win the Players Era tournament and dominate Big 12 play to stay in contention for a #1 seed. A loss like this in November could haunt them in March if they’re on the bubble.
What’s next for Duke after this win?
Duke’s next challenge is a road game at North Carolina State on December 7 — a physical, loud environment in the ACC. After that, they face Towson and Davidson at Allen Fieldhouse, which could be traps if they overlook lower-tier opponents. But with five wins and a top-five ranking, Duke is clearly a national title contender. Their depth and guard play will be tested in conference play, especially against teams like Virginia and North Carolina.
Was the officiating controversial in this game?
There was one key moment — a screen call labeled "a little upscreen screen for the screener" — that sparked debate online. The call, made by referee Kip Kissinger, led to a Duke turnover that turned into a fast break. While some Kansas fans called it a bad call, analysts noted it was consistent with NCAA’s recent emphasis on limiting illegal screens. Overall, the officiating was clean, with only 22 fouls called in a tightly contested game.
