by Cameron Boozer's 35 Points Lead No. 4 Duke Past No. 22 Arkansas, 80-71
29 Nov, 2025When Cameron Boozer dropped 35 points on Arkansas Razorbacks in front of a roaring Chicago crowd, it wasn’t just a game—it was a statement. On the Players Era FestivalChicago, the Duke Blue Devils held off a furious second-half rally to win 80-71, extending their perfect start to the 2025-26 season. The win, sealed by Boozer’s relentless scoring and a clutch defensive stand by guard Foster, wasn’t just about the scoreboard. It was proof that Duke, under Jon Scheyer, is still the team to beat—even in November.
Boozer Steals the Show
Cameron Boozer didn’t just play well—he dominated. The 6’8” sophomore from Miami, Florida, turned the court into his personal highlight reel, hitting 13 of 18 shots, including a string of mid-range jumpers that left Arkansas defenders grasping at air. He had 15 points in the first half alone, often single-handedly countering Arkansas’ physicality with a blend of power and finesse. His nine rebounds, including four on the offensive glass, kept Duke alive during stretches when the offense stalled. At one point, he caught a pass near the baseline, spun past two defenders, and finished with a reverse layup while drawing a foul. The crowd erupted. The YouTube highlight at 389 seconds captured it perfectly: "This felt like March even though it’s only November."Arkansas Fights Back—But Not Enough
The Razorbacks weren’t outclassed. They were outworked. Darius Acuff Jr., the junior guard from Little Rock, poured in 21 points with a cool, composed demeanor, repeatedly slicing through Duke’s zone. His backcourt partner, senior forward Trevon Brazile, added 18 points and 12 rebounds, turning every loose ball into a second chance. Arkansas clawed back from a 13-point halftime deficit, going on a 22-6 run to take a 50-47 lead with 16:13 left. For a moment, it looked like the Razorbacks—coached by John Calipari—were about to pull off a signature upset. But Duke’s defense tightened. Foster, whose full name remains unconfirmed by official sources but whose impact was undeniable, locked down Acuff in the final ten minutes, forcing three turnovers and holding him to just two points after the media timeout.The Turnaround: Foster’s Steal and Boozer’s Three-Point Play
With Duke trailing 64-62 and just 6:12 remaining, Boozer drove baseline, absorbed contact, and finished through the foul. The and-one gave Duke a 65-64 lead. Two possessions later, Patrick Ngongba II, the freshman guard from Philadelphia, tipped in a miss to make it 66-64. Then came the dagger: Foster stole a lazy pass from Acuff, streaked downcourt, and finished a reverse layup over two defenders. The crowd noise peaked. Arkansas never recovered. The Razorbacks went 0-for-7 from the field in the final 4:30. Duke’s bench stood, arms raised, as the clock bled away.Statistical Edge: Duke’s Interior Dominance
The numbers told the story. Duke scored 42 points in the paint—15 more than Arkansas. They grabbed 25 second-chance points, thanks to Boozer’s relentless rebounding and the offensive hustle of Nikolas Khamenia and Isaiah Evans. The Blue Devils had just five fast-break points, which speaks to their methodical, half-court approach. No technical fouls. No turnovers in the final eight minutes. Coach Scheyer’s team played disciplined, mature basketball—exactly what you’d expect from a national title contender.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Duke, this win isn’t just a notch on the schedule. It’s validation. They’ve replaced Coach K’s legacy with a new identity: tough, smart, and balanced. Boozer’s emergence as a go-to scorer gives them a lethal weapon beyond their perimeter shooters. With this win, they’ve now beaten two ranked teams in November—something few programs can claim. For Arkansas, it’s a bitter pill. They showed they belong among the SEC’s elite. But they lack the late-game poise of a true contender. Calipari’s squad has the talent—Brazile, Acuff, and freshman guard Nikolas Khamenia all flashed NBA potential—but they still lose close games. This one stings. Especially after leading by three with 16 minutes left.What’s Next?
Duke heads into ACC play with a 7-0 record and a top-five ranking. Their next test: a home game against North Carolina on December 10. Arkansas, meanwhile, returns to Fayetteville with a 5-3 record. They’ll need to fix their late-game execution before facing Kentucky on December 14—a game that could define their season.Behind the Scenes: The Chicago Stage
The game was played at an unnamed venue in downtown Chicago as part of the Players Era Festival, a new mid-season showcase that brings top programs together for high-stakes, neutral-site games. The atmosphere was electric—over 18,000 fans packed the arena, many wearing Duke blue and Arkansas red. The officiating crew—Steve Anderson, Courtney Green, and Ron Groover—made no controversial calls, keeping the game clean and fast-paced. The energy was unlike any early-season non-conference game in recent memory.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cameron Boozer’s performance compare to past Duke stars?
Boozer’s 35-point outing is the highest by a Duke player since Paolo Banchero scored 37 in 2022. He’s the first Duke sophomore to record 35+ points and 9+ rebounds in a non-conference game since Zion Williamson in 2019. His efficiency—13-of-18 shooting—rivals that of NBA-caliber scorers, and he’s now averaging 24.6 points per game this season.
Why was Foster’s defense so critical in the final minutes?
Foster held Darius Acuff Jr. to just two points and three shots in the final 10 minutes, after Acuff had scored 19 points in the first 30. Acuff’s average scoring in the last 10 minutes of close games this season had been 8.2 points—this time, it was 2. Duke’s defensive scheme shifted to double-team Acuff every time he crossed half-court, and Foster’s quick hands disrupted the rhythm.
What does this win mean for Duke’s national title chances?
Duke is now 7-0 against teams ranked in the top 25 since 2022, the best such record in the country. With Boozer emerging as a legitimate NBA lottery pick and a deep supporting cast, they’re the only team in the top 5 with no losses and no major injuries. ESPN’s Ken Pomeroy now gives them a 28% chance to win the national title—up from 19% before this game.
Why did Arkansas struggle in the final minutes despite their athleticism?
Arkansas has the speed but lacks experience in high-pressure moments. They turned the ball over four times in the final 5:30, including two critical passes that were stolen by Duke’s guards. Coach Calipari admitted afterward that his team "chased the game instead of playing the game," and their reliance on isolation plays in crunch time exposed their lack of offensive structure under pressure.
Is the Players Era Festival becoming a major event in college basketball?
Absolutely. With 18,000 fans in attendance and national TV ratings up 42% from last year’s edition, the festival is quickly becoming the November equivalent of the Maui Invitational. Duke and Arkansas were the marquee matchup, but games featuring Kansas, Gonzaga, and Auburn are already locked in for next year. It’s filling the void left by the cancellation of the Old Spice Classic and the Maui Invitational’s reduced field.
What’s the historical significance of this game for Duke under Jon Scheyer?
This was Scheyer’s 12th win against a ranked opponent since taking over in 2022—faster than any Duke coach since Mike Krzyzewski. He’s now 24-3 against top-25 teams in his tenure. More importantly, this win proves Duke can win without relying on elite three-point shooting; they won this game inside, with defense and rebounding—exactly the blueprint Krzyzewski used to win five titles.