When the final buzzer sounded at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night, the Duke Blue Devils didn’t just win—they reasserted themselves as a force. The No. 5 Blue Devils outlasted the undermanned No. 24 Kansas Jayhawks 78-66 in the annual Champions ClassicMadison Square Garden, snapping a two-game losing streak to their historic rivals and improving to a perfect 5-0 on the season. The game, which tipped off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time and ended just after 10:30 p.m., wasn’t pretty, but it was telling: Duke didn’t need flash to win. They needed grit. And they had it.
A Battle of Coaches, Not Just Teams
Jon Scheyer, in his fourth year leading Duke, outmaneuvered Bill Self, the veteran Kansas coach who’s been at the helm since 2003. Scheyer’s team didn’t dominate statistically—Kansas outrebounded them 38-34—but they controlled tempo, forced 14 turnovers, and made the big plays when it mattered most. Meanwhile, Self’s Jayhawks were missing their sparkplug: freshman point guard Darryn Peterson, a five-star recruit averaging 18.7 points and 6.3 assists in his first two games. His hamstring injury—his third straight game out—left Kansas scrambling. Junior guard Tre White was thrust into a starting role, but without Peterson’s playmaking, the Jayhawks’ offense stalled in critical moments.The Turning Point: That Missed Rim Shot
With 4:12 left and Duke leading 69-64, Kansas had a golden chance to tie. A drive to the basket ended with the ball hanging on the front of the rim—"like in traffic and it kind of hangs," as CBS Sports analyst Jim Nantz described it. The rebound went to Duke’s Cameron Boozer, son of former NBA star Carlos Boozer, who finished with 18 points and 7 rebounds. He didn’t just score—he sealed it. Duke closed the game on a 9-2 run, with Caleb Foster hitting a step-back three and Dame Sarr blocking a layup attempt that sent the Garden into a frenzy. "It’s what dreams are made of," Foster had said pregame. Turns out, he wasn’t just talking.Boozer’s Breakout and the Shadow of Peterson
Cameron Boozer has quietly become Duke’s most reliable interior presence. After going 13-for-16 against Indiana State last Friday, he followed up with 10-of-14 shooting against Kansas. His mobility, footwork, and soft touch around the rim have made him the perfect fit for Scheyer’s system. Meanwhile, Kansas’ Flory Bidunga, who dropped 25 points on 10-of-11 shooting against Princeton just two days earlier, was held to 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting. Duke’s defense, led by assistant coach Nolan Smith, swarmed every drive, denied post touches, and forced Kansas into rushed, low-percentage looks. "They didn’t let us breathe," Bidunga admitted postgame.
A Rivalry Rekindled
This was the fifth meeting in Champions Classic history between Duke and Kansas. Before Tuesday, Kansas had won five of the last six matchups, including the last two. But this win changes the narrative. It’s Duke’s first over Kansas in the event since 2023. The Jayhawks now lead the overall Champions Classic series 5-4, but the momentum has shifted. The Blue Devils have now beaten three ranked teams this season—Texas, Indiana State, and now Kansas—all on neutral floors. That’s not luck. That’s identity.What’s Next? The Road Gets Tougher
Duke’s next test comes Saturday at home against No. 12 Alabama. Kansas, meanwhile, embarks on a brutal stretch: three straight neutral-site games against ACC opponents. They face Notre Dame on November 26 and Syracuse on November 30. Without Peterson, their backcourt depth is a question mark. Coach Self said after the game, "We’re not making excuses. But you can’t replace a guy like Darryn overnight."Madison Square Garden, packed with 19,812 fans, felt like a playoff atmosphere. The game was preceded by the Michigan State-Kentucky matchup, but it was Duke-Kansas that stole the show. For the first time in years, the Blue Devils didn’t just show up—they showed out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Darryn Peterson’s absence impact Kansas’ offense?
Peterson, a five-star freshman averaging 18.7 points and 6.3 assists in his first two games, was Kansas’ primary playmaker and scoring engine. Without him, the Jayhawks averaged just 66 points—their lowest output since 2022. Tre White, thrust into the starting role, shot 4-of-14 from the field and had only 2 assists. Kansas’ assist-to-turnover ratio dropped from 1.8:1 in their previous game to 0.9:1 against Duke.
Why is Cameron Boozer such a key player for Duke?
Boozer is Duke’s most efficient scorer, shooting 67% from the field this season (18-of-27). His ability to finish at the rim, move without the ball, and draw fouls makes him a nightmare for bigger defenders. Against Kansas, he had 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 27 minutes. He’s become the focal point of Jon Scheyer’s offense, replacing the departed Kyle Filipowski with a more athletic, versatile profile.
How does this win affect Duke’s NCAA Tournament prospects?
Duke’s 5-0 start, including wins over Texas, Indiana State, and now Kansas—all ranked or formerly ranked teams—strengthens their resume significantly. They’re now one of only three undefeated teams in the top 10. With a tough non-conference slate ahead, including Alabama and Michigan State, this win signals they’re not just a contender—they’re a potential Final Four team.
What’s the significance of the Champions Classic for these programs?
The Champions Classic, held annually since 2011, pairs college basketball’s blue bloods to open the season. For Duke and Kansas, it’s more than a game—it’s a statement. Both programs have won national titles in the last decade, and this matchup often foreshadows March success. Duke’s win here breaks Kansas’ recent dominance in the series and could shift the psychological edge in future meetings.
Is this the start of a new era for Duke basketball?
It’s looking that way. With Boozer, Foster, Sarr, and freshman phenom Patrick Ngongba II emerging, Duke has depth and versatility they haven’t had since the Zion Williamson era. Scheyer has built a team that doesn’t rely on one superstar—it’s balanced, disciplined, and tough. This win over Kansas isn’t just a signature victory; it’s a sign the Blue Devils are back as a national powerhouse.
How does Kansas recover from this loss?
They need Peterson back—soon. Without him, their half-court offense stalls. Kansas must improve their three-point shooting (they went 5-of-22 against Duke) and find secondary playmakers. Their upcoming games against Notre Dame and Syracuse will be critical to salvage their NCAA Tournament hopes. If they can’t generate consistent offense, even a strong defense won’t be enough.