The Duke Blue Devils stayed perfect this season, outlasting the Arkansas Razorbacks 80-71 in a tense, high-stakes neutral-site clash at the United Center in Chicago on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The win improved Duke to an undefeated 8-0, while Arkansas dropped to 5-2 — their second loss after a tough road defeat to Michigan State just four weeks earlier. The game, broadcast live on CBS Sports, wasn’t just another early-season matchup. It was a litmus test for two programs with national title aspirations — and Duke passed with authority.
Boozer Leads Duke’s Balanced Assault
While the box score showed a team effort, the name echoing through the arena wasn’t just the team’s — it was Cameron Boozer’s. The 6’9” forward delivered a statement performance: 22 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks, anchoring Duke’s frontcourt with a blend of physicality and polish that Arkansas couldn’t match. His presence forced the Razorbacks to adjust defensively, opening lanes for guards like Isaiah Evans, who dished out seven assists and hit four three-pointers. Duke’s offense didn’t rely on hero ball. It moved. It shared. It punished. And when Arkansas tried to push the pace, Duke’s depth — seven players scoring in double figures — wore them down.
“They didn’t just outscore us,” said Arkansas head coach John Calipari after the game. “They out-thought us. Every time we tried to make a run, they had a fresh guy ready to shut it down.”
Arkansas’ Guard Fireworks Couldn’t Overcome the Frontcourt Gap
The Razorbacks came in with a reputation for guard play. Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas combined for 41 points — Acuff with a dazzling 24, including four deep threes — and Thomas added 17 off the bench. But their brilliance was constantly interrupted. Duke’s defense, coached by Jon Scheyer, didn’t just guard the ball — they disrupted rhythm. They forced 14 turnovers, many in transition, turning Arkansas’ preferred fast breaks into half-court grind sessions where Duke’s size and footwork became overwhelming.
Leans.ai’s pre-game analysis nailed it: “Duke’s frontcourt advantage isn’t just about height — it’s about positioning, timing, and relentless pursuit of the glass.” And they were right. Duke outrebounded Arkansas 41-29, including 15 offensive boards that led to 18 second-chance points. Arkansas, despite their guards’ flair, simply couldn’t get clean looks late in the shot clock. Their best player, Acuff Jr., went 0-for-4 in the final six minutes as Duke’s zone collapsed around him like a vise.
Why the Prediction Was Wrong — And What It Means
PicksAndParlays.net had predicted a 88-79 Duke win, with an Over 156.5 total points bet as the favorite. The final score? 80-71. Total points: 151. Why the miss? Because Arkansas didn’t play the high-octane game they’d shown in wins over LSU and Texas Tech. Duke slowed them. They made every possession a battle. Arkansas’ guards, usually lethal in transition, were forced into isolation plays they hadn’t practiced. The Razorbacks’ offense, usually fluid and fast, became stagnant — and predictable.
“They didn’t let us breathe,” said Acuff Jr. after the game, wiping sweat from his brow. “We knew they were good. We just didn’t know how much they’d make us doubt ourselves.”
The Bigger Picture: Duke’s Title Credentials Just Got Stronger
This win wasn’t just about staying undefeated. It was about proving Duke can win in the spotlight — on a neutral court, against a ranked opponent, without relying on a single superstar. Boozer is elite, but he’s not alone. Evans, freshman big man Jordan Hall, and veteran guard Malik Cunningham all stepped up when needed. That’s the hallmark of a true contender.
Meanwhile, Arkansas’ season isn’t over — far from it. But their path to March just got harder. They’re still talented. Still dangerous. But now, they’ve seen what a top-four team looks like up close. And they know: to compete with the best, they’ll need more than just scoring bursts. They’ll need discipline. Structure. And a way to slow down the tempo.
What’s Next?
Duke heads into December with a tough stretch: home games against No. 10 Michigan and a road trip to No. 12 Kansas. They’re now the clear favorite in the ACC, but the national conversation has shifted — they’re being talked about as a Final Four lock. Arkansas, meanwhile, returns home to face a rebuilding Missouri squad before a December 14 showdown with No. 15 Texas. If they can’t fix their rebounding and defensive rotations, their NCAA Tournament hopes could slip away.
The United Center wasn’t just a venue. It was a stage. And on November 27, Duke didn’t just win a game — they announced themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cameron Boozer’s performance compare to his previous games this season?
Cameron Boozer’s 22-point, 11-rebound outing against Arkansas was his best of the season, surpassing his previous high of 19 points against North Carolina in the season opener. His 15 rebounds in the game against Michigan State were the closest he’d come, but this was the first time he combined elite scoring with dominant rebounding and defensive impact in a single game under national spotlight conditions.
Why did Arkansas struggle with rebounding despite having a tall roster?
Arkansas’ frontcourt players, including 6’10” center Jalen Wilson, were outmuscled by Duke’s combination of strength and timing. Duke’s forwards, especially Boozer and Jordan Hall, consistently boxed out early and used precise footwork to secure position. Arkansas often relied on athletic leaps rather than positioning, leading to 12 offensive rebounds surrendered — a major factor in Duke’s 18 second-chance points.
What role did Duke’s depth play in the outcome?
Duke’s depth was decisive. Seven players scored in double figures, and the bench outscored Arkansas’ reserves 27-12. While Arkansas’ starters played 36+ minutes, Duke rotated nine players into key minutes, keeping defensive intensity high. Freshman Jordan Hall played 18 minutes with zero fouls, providing crucial interior defense when Boozer rested — something Arkansas couldn’t replicate.
How did the neutral-site setting affect the game?
The United Center, packed with roughly 18,000 fans — half in Duke blue — created a home-court advantage for the Blue Devils. Arkansas, normally loud and aggressive on the road, seemed quieter, more tentative. The absence of their home crowd in Fayetteville affected their rhythm, especially in the final minutes when pressure mounted. Duke thrived under the lights; Arkansas wilted.
What does this loss mean for Arkansas’ NCAA Tournament chances?
Arkansas’ at-large bid is now in serious jeopardy. With two losses already — one to Michigan State, one to Duke — they can’t afford another against a top-25 team. Their remaining non-conference slate includes only one ranked opponent (Texas), and their SEC schedule is brutal. To make the tournament, they’ll need to win at least 10 SEC games and likely win one in the conference tournament. This loss exposed critical flaws in rebounding and tempo control.
Was this game a sign of Duke’s potential as a national title contender?
Absolutely. Duke’s ability to control tempo, dominate the glass, and distribute scoring across multiple players under pressure shows elite balance. They’re not just a one-man show. With Boozer, Evans, and a deep bench, they’ve got the tools to win in March — whether it’s in a high-scoring shootout or a grinding half-court battle. This win wasn’t lucky. It was systematic. And it’s a blueprint for how to win a championship.
Author
Ava Bialy
I'm a passionate artist and art enthusiast. I enjoy exploring different visual art forms, from painting to sculpting, and I love learning about the history of art and its impact on society. I'm always looking for new ways to express myself and to share my creativity with the world.