When Cameron Boozer drained a contested three-pointer with 1:06 left, sealing Duke’s 80-71 win over Arkansas at the United Center, the crowd of 20,219 erupted—not just for the points, but for the sheer will it took to claw back from a 13-point deficit. It was November 27, 2025, and the Duke Blue Devils weren’t just surviving—they were rewriting the script of what resilience looks like in college basketball.
A Comeback Forged in Fire
Duke trailed by 13 points with under two minutes left in the first half. Then, Arkansas began a 22-6 run that stretched from the final seconds of the first half into the opening minutes of the second. By the time Meleek Thomas hit a three to push Arkansas ahead 60-53 with 10:09 remaining, the Razorbacks looked poised to pull off the upset. But here’s the thing: Duke doesn’t panic. Not under Jon Scheyer. Not with Boozer on fire. Not when Caleb Foster has a scoring switch only he knows how to flip.
Foster, the sophomore guard, didn’t just contribute—he carried the offense in the second half. He scored 33 of Duke’s 39 points after halftime, including the final 14. With the score tied at 64 and 6:13 left, Foster found Boozer for a layup. Then came the sequence that broke Arkansas: Ngongba’s putback forced a timeout. Then, after Arkansas pulled within one at 70-69, Foster answered with a dagger from deep. No hesitation. No doubt.
Boozer’s Masterclass
Cameron Boozer didn’t just score 35 points—he played like a man possessed. He hit mid-range jumpers over double-teams. He attacked the rim with ferocity, drawing fouls and converting three-point plays. His final sequence—dunk, free throw, free throw—was the exclamation point. Six points in 48 seconds. Arkansas had no answer. And when he sank the last two free throws with 14 seconds left, the United Center stood as one.
Boozer’s 35 were the most by a Duke player in a non-conference game since Zion Williamson’s 37 against North Carolina in 2019. He was 12-of-18 from the field, 5-of-6 from three, and a perfect 6-of-6 from the line. He didn’t just dominate—he defined the game’s tone.
Arkansas Fights, But Runs Out of Time
Darius Acuff Jr. gave Arkansas everything he had—21 points, five rebounds, three assists. He was the engine of their comeback, especially in the first half. Meleek Thomas added 13, including that crucial three that made it 70-69. But after that, Arkansas went 0-for-7 from the field in the final 2:58. No buckets. No rhythm. Just silence.
Coach John Calipari, who spent 15 years building Kentucky’s legacy, looked stunned on the sideline. His team had outrebounded Duke in the second half. They’d forced 11 turnovers. But they couldn’t stop Duke’s late-game execution. “We got the stops we needed,” Calipari said postgame. “We just didn’t make the plays when it mattered.”
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
Duke’s 8-0 start is more than a record—it’s a statement. The Blue Devils have now won 10 games at the United Center since 2003, a venue they’ve turned into a second home. This win wasn’t just against Arkansas. It was a test against expectation. Can this team handle pressure? Can they close? The answer, emphatically, is yes.
Meanwhile, Arkansas—despite the loss—proved they belong in the conversation. They’re young, physical, and capable of beating anyone on a good night. But their schedule just got harder. Next up: a home game against No. 6 Louisville at Bud Walton Arena, televised on ESPN. That’s a gauntlet.
The Numbers That Tell the Story
- Duke went 6-of-6 from the field and 5-of-5 from the free throw line in the final 2:58
- Arkansas was held scoreless from the field for the final 2:58
- Cameron Boozer scored 20 of his 35 points in the second half
- Duke outscored Arkansas 39-16 in the final 15 minutes
- Both teams had 7 offensive rebounds—but Duke turned them into 16 second-chance points
What’s Next?
Duke heads into ACC play with a perfect record and a growing reputation as a late-game killer. Their next game is December 1 against Virginia Tech at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Arkansas? They’ll need to regroup fast. Calipari’s squad has talent, but they’re still learning how to win close ones. The loss to Duke wasn’t a failure—it was a lesson. And in college basketball, lessons come with a price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cameron Boozer manage to score 35 points against such a physical defense?
Boozer used a combination of quick mid-range pull-ups, relentless drives to the rim, and excellent footwork to create space. Arkansas often doubled him, but he found open shooters or drew fouls—going 6-for-6 from the line. His ability to read defenses in real time, especially in transition, made him nearly unstoppable in the final 10 minutes.
Why was Caleb Foster so crucial in the second half?
Foster was Duke’s offensive lifeline after halftime. With Boozer drawing attention, Foster found open lanes and knocked down critical threes. His final 14 points came under pressure, including the go-ahead shot with 2:31 left. He didn’t just score—he created rhythm for the entire team, forcing Arkansas to extend their defense and opening driving lanes.
What does this win mean for Duke’s NCAA tournament prospects?
This victory significantly bolsters Duke’s resume. Beating a top-25 team on a neutral court, especially after overcoming a 13-point deficit, shows poise and depth. With an 8-0 record and wins over Arkansas, Texas, and Kansas already on their schedule, Duke is firmly in the national title conversation. Their strength of schedule ranks in the top 5 nationally.
Why did Arkansas collapse in the final minutes?
Arkansas’s offense became too reliant on isolation plays, especially from Acuff Jr. and Thomas. Duke’s defense tightened, switching effectively and denying penetration. The Razorbacks missed their last seven shots, including three open threes. They lacked a second scoring option when Duke doubled their guards—something Duke’s defense had prepared for all week.
How significant is the ACC/SEC Challenge for college basketball?
The ACC/SEC Challenge is now one of the most important non-conference matchups in college basketball. It pits two of the nation’s strongest conferences against each other in neutral venues, offering high-stakes games that shape NCAA tournament resumes. This year’s matchup at the United Center drew national TV ratings 22% higher than last year’s, proving its growing relevance.
Has Duke ever lost at the United Center before?
Yes—Duke is now 10-2 all-time at the United Center. Their last loss there came in 2021 against Michigan State. Since 2003, they’ve played 12 games in Chicago, winning 10, including three over ranked opponents. The arena’s atmosphere, often compared to a postseason environment, seems to bring out the best in Duke’s veteran players.