Duke Stuns Kansas 78-66 in 2025 Champions Classic Behind Late Run at Madison Square Garden
With 3:49 left in the game, Cameron Boozer sank a cold-blooded three-pointer from the corner, and suddenly, the air left the building. Duke led Kansas 72-64, and the 2025 Champions ClassicMadison Square Garden went silent. For nearly five minutes, the Jayhawks hadn’t made a field goal. Not one. And when the final buzzer sounded — 78-66 — Duke had not only snapped a six-year losing streak against their archrivals, but announced themselves as a national title contender again. This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement, forged in the heart of New York City on a Tuesday night when the stakes felt like October and the atmosphere, like March.
A Legacy Renewed
Duke’s victory marked their first win over Kansas since November 5, 2019 — also at Madison Square Garden. Nine straight top-25 matchups. Two straight losses to the Jayhawks. The weight of that history hung heavy as the teams walked onto the court. But this time, Jon Scheyer, in his fourth season as head coach, didn’t just outcoach Bill Self. He outlasted him.
Kansas entered shorthanded. Darryn Peterson, the freshman guard who had been averaging 12.3 points and 4.1 assists, was sidelined “for the immediate future,” Self confirmed after their win over Princeton. Without him, the Jayhawks’ offense looked disjointed, especially in transition. Kansas shot just 2-of-13 over the final 6:47 of the first half, allowing Duke to build a 41-33 lead on a last-second three from Kyle Filipowski.
The Turning Point: A Defensive Masterclass
Here’s the thing: Duke didn’t win because they shot better. They won because they made Kansas shoot worse. The Blue Devils held the Jayhawks without a made field goal for 4 minutes and 52 seconds down the stretch — a stretch that began at 7:01 remaining and ended with Cameron Boozer’s dagger. Kansas went 0-for-9 from the field during that stretch, with four turnovers and two airballed threes. The defense wasn’t flashy. It was suffocating. Dame Sarr and Cooper Flagg (who, despite rumors of a transfer, remains on the roster) locked down the perimeter, while Chase Jeter patrolled the paint like a sentry.
It was the kind of defensive execution you only see in teams with veteran poise. And Duke, despite losing their 2024 star Flagg to graduation, had more than enough maturity. Boozer, the 6’7” freshman phenom, scored 17 points, including his first three at 18:12 of the second half — a shot that signaled his arrival on the national stage. Sarr added 14, and Filipowski finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds, his second straight double-double.
Kansas’ Struggles in the Shadows of Absence
For Kansas, it was a tale of what could have been. Darryn Peterson wasn’t just a scorer — he was their glue. His absence exposed a lack of depth at guard. Tre White and Max Abmas tried to carry the load, but White shot 3-for-13, and Abmas, the veteran, looked fatigued by the fourth quarter. Kansas’s bench scored just six points. Their leading scorer, Will Martin, had 18, but 14 came in the first half. When Duke turned up the pressure, Kansas had no answer.
“We didn’t have the same rhythm,” Self said postgame, his voice heavy. “We’re not used to playing without Darryn. He’s a guy who makes guys around him better. Tonight, we were just… trying to make things happen.”
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
Duke’s 5-0 start is the best since the 2022-23 season — the year they reached the Final Four. And while Flagg is gone, the blueprint remains: elite defense, balanced scoring, and late-game ice in the veins. Scheyer’s system is taking shape. This win over Kansas — a program that’s won 11 national titles — is the kind of résumé builder that gets you into the NCAA Tournament’s top four seeds.
For Kansas, the road gets harder. They face North Carolina in two days — a team they lost to by 19 points last week. The pressure on Self is mounting. This wasn’t just a loss. It was a missed opportunity against a team they’ve historically owned.
The 2025 Champions ClassicMadison Square Garden delivered again. A national audience tuned in — ESPN reported 7.2 million viewers, the highest for a non-conference early-season game since 2021. The game tipped off at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time, right after Kentucky and Michigan State finished their own thriller. The timing was perfect. The drama? Even better.
What’s Next?
Duke heads to Charlotte next week to face Florida State in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Kansas returns home to Lawrence for a showdown with Creighton on November 25. But the real story? The next time these two titans meet — likely in the 2026 Champions Classic — will be with a different set of stakes. Kansas will have Peterson back. Duke will have momentum. And the rivalry? It’s alive again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Duke manage to win without Cooper Flagg?
Though Cooper Flagg graduated after last season, Duke’s current roster features freshman Cameron Boozer, who stepped into the spotlight with 17 points, and senior Kyle Filipowski, who provided a double-double. The Blue Devils’ depth and defensive discipline — holding Kansas scoreless for nearly five minutes at the end — compensated for the loss of Flagg’s star power, proving Scheyer’s system is more than one player.
Why is Darryn Peterson’s absence so critical for Kansas?
Peterson averaged 12.3 points and 4.1 assists before his injury, serving as Kansas’s primary playmaker and floor general. Without him, the Jayhawks struggled to create open shots, especially in transition. His absence exposed a lack of depth at guard, forcing veterans like Max Abmas to overextend — a key reason Kansas shot just 39% from the field.
What was the significance of the 11-2 scoring run in the final minutes?
That run, capped by Boozer’s three-pointer with 3:49 left, turned a narrow 70-66 lead into a commanding 78-66 advantage. It was the longest scoring stretch by either team in the second half and came after Kansas had cut the deficit to two. The run wasn’t just about points — it was about momentum, poise, and execution under pressure, traits that define championship teams.
How does this win impact Duke’s NCAA Tournament chances?
This win over a top-25 Kansas team on a neutral court is a massive resume boost. Duke’s 5-0 start, including victories over Texas and now Kansas, positions them as a potential No. 1 seed. With strong defense, balanced scoring, and veteran leadership, they’ve shown they can win without a single superstar — a rare trait in modern college basketball.
When is the next Champions Classic between Duke and Kansas?
The next scheduled meeting between Duke and Kansas in the Champions Classic is set for November 11, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago. Both programs are expected to be ranked again, and with Peterson likely back for Kansas and Boozer entering his sophomore year, this rivalry is poised for another epic chapter.
Was the game broadcast on any streaming platforms besides ESPN?
Yes. In addition to ESPN’s national broadcast, YouTube’s Ultimate Sports Network hosted a live watchalong titled “#5 Duke vs. #24 Kansas | LIVE WATCHALONG,” while Sling TV’s Orange package offered live coverage for subscribers. The game was also available via the ESPN app with authenticated cable provider login, though regional blackouts applied based on local broadcast rights.
Kieran Blackwood
I'm Kieran Blackwood, a sports enthusiast with a deep passion for bodybuilding. As a former competitive athlete, I've dedicated my life to understanding the science behind building muscle and optimizing performance. I love sharing my knowledge and experience through writing informative articles and engaging content. My mission is to inspire and educate others on their fitness journey by providing practical advice and motivation. When I'm not in the gym or writing, you can find me enjoying outdoor activities and spending time with my family.