When the final buzzer sounded at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night, November 18, 2025, the Duke Blue Devils had done something rare: they won a high-stakes game without looking dominant. Down by one with under five minutes left, they didn’t rely on a miracle three. They didn’t need a superstar explosion. They just outworked, outlasted, and outsmarted the Kansas Jayhawks, 78-66, in the State Farm Champions ClassicMadison Square Garden. And it might’ve been their most impressive win of the season.
How Duke Won When It Mattered Most
The first half was a chess match turned brawl. Kansas, missing their top recruit Darryn Peterson for the third straight game, entered with grit but zero margin for error. All five starters picked up fouls before halftime — three had two each. Duke, meanwhile, was already feeling the heat. Coach Jon Scheyer had spent the preseason preparing for this exact scenario: physical, chaotic, crowd-deafening environments. The exhibition games against Tennessee, UCF, and Texas weren’t just tune-ups. They were rehearsals.
Cameron Boozer, Duke’s 6’9” forward, was the quiet engine. He finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds — his first double-double of the season. His twin brother, freshman Cayden Boozer, didn’t start, but came off the bench with a pair of clutch baskets in the second half that silenced Kansas’ brief rally. "It’s not about stats," Cayden said after the game. "It’s about doing what’s needed when the lights are on. We’ve been through this before."
Isaiah Evans added 16 points, and sophomore Patrick Ngongba was perfect — 4-for-4 from the field, 13 points. That kind of efficiency off the bench? That’s what separates good teams from great ones.
Kansas’ Quiet Crisis
For Kansas, it was a night of what-ifs. Tre White carried the load with 23 points and nine rebounds, but even he couldn’t will his team past the wall Duke built. Without Darryn Peterson — the nation’s #1 recruit and projected top NBA draft pick — Kansas lost its most dynamic playmaker and defensive anchor. Coach Bill Self had called Peterson’s absence "the immediate future" after the Princeton win. No timeline. No updates. Just silence.
The foul trouble didn’t help. By halftime, Kansas’ starters were already playing scared. No aggressive drives. No rim attacks. Duke took advantage, closing the half on a 17-5 run. When Melvin Council Jr. hit a three to cut the lead to 67-64 with under five minutes left, it felt like a turning point. But Duke didn’t panic. They passed. They moved. They let the game come to them.
Madison Square Garden: Duke’s Second Home
This win extended Duke’s streak at Madison Square Garden to nine straight victories. Nine. In a building where legends are made, where noise drowns out logic, where opponents crumble under the weight of history — Duke thrives. Scheyer admitted it after the game: "This place is different. I thought he did a really good job handling that." He wasn’t talking about one player. He was talking about the whole team.
There’s no magic formula. No secret play. Just discipline. And experience. The Blue Devils have played five games this season. Four of them were against teams with NCAA Tournament pedigree. They’ve faced physicality, pressure, and noise. Kansas? They haven’t. Not like this.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Duke returns home to Cameron Indoor Stadium on Friday, November 21, 2025, to host Niagara University. It’s a breather. A chance to rest. To heal. To prep for the next test — likely a showdown with another top-10 team in early December.
Kansas heads to Las Vegas on Monday, November 24, 2025, for the opening round of the Players Era tournament against Notre Dame. Without Peterson, their ceiling is unclear. Can White carry them? Can freshman guards step up? Can they survive without the inside presence they’ve been missing?
One thing’s certain: this loss didn’t break Kansas. But it exposed them. And in college basketball, exposure is dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
How has Darryn Peterson’s absence affected Kansas’ offensive strategy?
Without Peterson, Kansas lost its most versatile offensive weapon — a 6’10" forward who could score inside, stretch the floor, and create for others. Tre White has taken on more playmaking duties, but the Jayhawks have struggled to generate clean looks in the half-court. Their field goal percentage dropped to 41% in the second half, compared to 48% in the first, suggesting fatigue and poor spacing without Peterson’s presence.
Why is Duke so successful at Madison Square Garden?
Duke’s nine-game winning streak at Madison Square Garden stems from their ability to thrive under pressure. The arena’s intensity, loud crowds, and historic weight don’t rattle them — they fuel them. Scheyer’s emphasis on physicality in preseason games has conditioned his team to handle chaos. Unlike many teams that freeze in big venues, Duke’s veterans know how to control tempo and make smart decisions when the noise peaks.
What role did Cameron and Cayden Boozer play in this game?
Cameron Boozer was the anchor — 18 points, 10 rebounds, and relentless interior defense. Cayden, the freshman, delivered two critical baskets in the second half that shifted momentum. Their twin synergy, developed over years of playing together, created matchup nightmares for Kansas. Cayden’s composure under pressure, especially after a quiet first half, showed why Duke’s depth is so dangerous.
Could Kansas still be a contender without Darryn Peterson?
They can, but it’s far more difficult. Kansas has talent — White, Council, and sophomore Jalen Wilson are all capable scorers. But without Peterson’s size, passing, and defensive versatility, they lack balance. Their NCAA Tournament hopes now hinge on whether their guards can elevate their play and if their frontcourt can compensate. The Notre Dame game will be a litmus test.
How does this win impact Duke’s national ranking?
Duke’s 5-0 start, including wins over Kansas and Tennessee, strengthens their case for a top-three ranking. Their schedule strength is among the nation’s best. While they haven’t yet faced a true elite team like Auburn or Houston, their ability to win close, physical games against top-25 opponents shows maturity beyond their roster’s youth. A win over Niagara won’t move the needle — but their next test in early December might.
What’s the latest on Darryn Peterson’s injury?
Kansas has not provided an official timeline, but sources close to the program say Peterson’s hamstring injury is more severe than initially reported. He missed three straight games, including the last two practices, and has not been cleared for contact. Coach Self said the team is "being cautious," and while Peterson remains optimistic, there’s no guarantee he’ll return before December. His absence is now a long-term concern, not just a short-term setback.