When Cameron Boozer drained his final free throw with 1:06 left, the Duke Blue Devils weren’t just holding off a furious Arkansas Razorbacks comeback — they were rewriting history. The freshman forward from North Carolina finished with 35 points and nine rebounds on Thursday, November 27, 2025, becoming the first Duke freshman ever to record two 35-point games in a single season. The 80-71 victory came at the United Center in Chicago, a neutral-site showdown that felt like a postseason battle in every sense.
First Half: A Rollercoaster Before the Break
Arkansas didn’t come to Chicago to lose. After trailing by as many as 13 points early in the half, the Razorbacks clawed back with a 7-0 run to close the first half, cutting Duke’s lead to 41-35. That surge — capped by Meleek Thomas’ layup with 33 seconds left — had the visiting bench roaring. But the momentum didn’t carry. Duke’s official stats initially reported a 41-28 halftime lead, suggesting a timing discrepancy in public broadcasts. CBS Sports’ gametracker, however, showed the 41-35 scoreline after Thomas’ basket, followed by Patrick Ngongba II’s missed layup and Trevon Brazile’s defensive rebound on the final possession. Boozer, meanwhile, had 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting — calm, efficient, and utterly unflappable.Second Half: The Razorbacks’ Surge and Duke’s Response
The second half opened like a different game. Arkansas, led by guard Darius Acuff Jr. (21 points), went on an 8-point run to take a 50-47 lead just three minutes in. Duke called timeout. Then came a stretch where Arkansas shot 5-of-7 from the field, building a 57-52 advantage at the under-12 media timeout. For a moment, it looked like the Razorbacks might complete the biggest comeback of the young season. But then came the drought. A four-minute field-goal slump. A missed three. A turnover. And suddenly, the momentum flipped. With 10:09 left, Thomas hit a three-pointer to give Arkansas its first lead since early in the half — 60-53. The United Center, mostly blue and white, fell silent. Then, Caleb Foster, Duke’s junior guard, answered. Not with a three, but with a drive and finish. Then another. Then, at 5:20, Ngongba II’s basket gave Duke a 66-64 lead. The tide had turned.
The Final Minutes: A Masterclass in Composure
Arkansas pulled within one at 70-69 on a deep three from the corner with 2:58 left. The Razorbacks sensed it. The crowd stirred. But Foster, ice in his veins, responded exactly 27 seconds later — a step-back three from the left wing. 73-69. The place erupted. Not for Arkansas. For Duke. Then came Boozer. One dunk. Two free throws. Four points in seven seconds. 77-69. With 1:06 to go, the game was over. Duke scored 27 of the final 38 points. Arkansas, despite 21 from Acuff and a double-double from forward Trevon Brazile, had no answer.Conference Context and What’s Next
This wasn’t just a non-conference win. It was a statement. Duke University, founded in 1838 and a staple of the Atlantic Coast Conference, continues its climb toward March. The Blue Devils are now 8-1. Boozer’s emergence has turned Duke’s offense from predictable to dangerous. Meanwhile, University of Arkansas, established in 1871 and a proud member of the Southeastern Conference, now faces a crucial test. They host No. 6 Louisville Cardinals on Wednesday, November 29, 2025, at 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. Can they recover? Or will this loss become a turning point? Duke, meanwhile, welcomes No. 10 Florida Gators on Tuesday, November 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time — another top-10 matchup, another chance to prove they’re title contenders.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
Boozer isn’t just a freshman with scoring flair. He’s the kind of player who changes how defenses play. He draws double teams. He creates space for Foster. He makes Ngongba II’s cuts more dangerous. He’s the first Duke freshman since 1998 to have two 30-point games before December — and now, the first ever with two 35-point games. This win also highlights the growing trend of elite programs playing neutral-site classics in major markets. The United Center, home to the Bulls and Blackhawks, isn’t just a venue — it’s a stage. And Duke didn’t just show up. They owned it.Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cameron Boozer’s performance compare to other Duke freshmen?
Cameron Boozer is the first Duke freshman in program history to record two 35-point games in a single season. Only two other Duke freshmen — Elton Brand (1998) and Zion Williamson (2019) — had multiple 30-point games as freshmen. Boozer’s 35-point game against Arkansas marks his second, following a 36-point outburst against South Carolina in early November. No Duke freshman has ever had three 35-point games in one season.
Why did Arkansas struggle offensively in the final minutes?
Arkansas endured a four-minute field-goal drought late in the second half, going 0-for-7 from the field between the 4:30 and 0:30 marks. Their offense, which thrived on transition and three-point shooting earlier, became stagnant under Duke’s aggressive half-court defense. Only Darius Acuff Jr. could consistently create his own shot, and Duke’s perimeter pressure forced him into contested looks when it mattered most.
What impact does this win have on Duke’s NCAA Tournament seeding?
The victory over a top-25 team like Arkansas significantly bolsters Duke’s Quad 1 resume. With wins over Gonzaga, South Carolina, and now Arkansas, Duke’s non-conference schedule ranks among the toughest in the nation. Analysts project Duke as a potential No. 1 seed if they maintain their current form through ACC play. Their next test — against No. 10 Florida — could solidify that status.
How did the United Center crowd affect the game?
Despite being a neutral site, the United Center was roughly 70% pro-Duke, with large contingents of alumni and local fans who follow ACC basketball. The crowd’s energy shifted dramatically after Foster’s three-pointer with 2:31 left — the roar was described by CBS Sports as "deafening," and it visibly rattled Arkansas’ younger players. Duke’s bench, meanwhile, stood and screamed for the final three minutes — a sign of growing team chemistry.
What’s the significance of the timing discrepancy in the first-half score?
Duke’s official release listed a 41-28 halftime score, while CBS Sports and live stats showed 41-35. The difference stems from whether the final 7-0 Arkansas run was counted before or after the halftime buzzer. Official NCAA records use the final verified score at the horn, meaning 41-35 is the correct figure. The discrepancy highlights how quickly momentum can shift — and how easily public perception can be misaligned with official data.
What does this mean for Arkansas’ season moving forward?
Arkansas showed they can compete with elite teams — but also that they lack the experience to close out high-pressure games. Their loss to Duke drops them to 6-3, and their upcoming game against No. 6 Louisville is now a must-win to stay in the NCAA Tournament conversation. If they can’t fix their late-game execution and defensive rotations, even a strong SEC record might not be enough to secure a bid.