Boozer leads Duke past Razorbacks despite late push

CHICAGO — Cameron Boozer has been impressive all year, but Thursday night in Chicago showed how much of Duke’s offense now flows through him.

The forward scored 35 points and grabbed nine rebounds, giving the Blue Devils enough control to hand Arkansas an 80–71 loss in the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic at the United Center.

It was the kind of performance that sets the tone for Duke’s December stretch, and it came at a moment when the game easily could have slipped the other way.

The Hogs matched Duke early with effort and pace. The Blue Devils built a 10-point lead in the first half behind Boozer’s strong drives and two made 3-pointers during a quick burst, but the Razorbacks answered with a 7–0 run to close the gap before halftime.

Boozer already had 15 points at the break, and it was clear he would be the anchor for Duke throughout the night.

The Razorbacks struggled to slow him in space, and their defensive rotations left openings Duke used to build a steady cushion. Even so, Arkansas kept finding counterpunches.

Darius Acuff Jr. finished with 21 points, showing poise and control in tight spots. Freshman Meleek Thomas added 13, and Trevon Brazile delivered a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

By the middle of the second half, momentum actually swung toward the Razorbacks. Arkansas trailed by 13 at one point, but a 10–3 run created energy the team carried into the final 10 minutes.

Thomas’ 3-pointer with 10:09 remaining put the Razorbacks ahead 60–53, their largest lead of the night. After being pushed around early, they suddenly looked like the more settled group.

But Duke responded like a team that has been in this situation before.

Duke takes control back late

Ngongba II scored inside to give Duke a 66–64 lead with 5:20 to play, the first punch in a closing stretch that quieted the Razorbacks’ run.

Boozer steadied Duke with inside touches, and Caleb Foster’s clutch 3-pointer with 2:31 remaining stretched the Blue Devils’ advantage just enough to regain control.

Foster finished with 15 points and eight assists, playing an important role during Duke’s best moments.

The Razorbacks tried to counter again, but Duke’s half-court defense tightened.

Boozer closed the game by getting to the rim and hitting free throws, preventing Arkansas from mounting another comeback.

The Hogs were forced into rushed shots in the final minute as Duke protected the ball and sealed the win.

The result moved Duke to 8–0, giving the program its best start since the 2017–18 season, when the Blue Devils opened 11–0.

Boozer’s 35 points marked one of the most efficient scoring nights of his young career, and Duke made 13 of its final 19 shots to keep pressure on Arkansas throughout the second half.

Razorbacks show growth but need finishing touch

For the Razorbacks, this game offered both frustration and encouragement.

Arkansas showed it could rally from a deep deficit, create good looks, and compete with a top-five opponent on neutral court.

But the final four minutes exposed the consistency gap that often decides high-level games.

The Razorbacks will need their young players, especially Acuff and Thomas, to maintain poise in tight situations as the SEC schedule approaches.

Brazile’s rebounding helped Arkansas stay even on the boards for much of the night, and the Hogs looked sharper when they pushed the pace instead of settling in half-court sets.

Arkansas coach John Calipari will likely focus on the late-game stretch where Duke made its push.

The Razorbacks forced Duke into several tough shots earlier in the game, but defensive breakdowns in the final minutes opened the door for the Blue Devils’ decisive baskets.

That stretch created the difference between a signature win and a learning moment.

The Hogs head back home now, aiming to convert these lessons into cleaner execution for the next outing.

Next game

Arkansas returns to Bud Walton Arena next Wednesday to host Louisville in another resume-building opportunity.

Duke heads back home to take on Florida on Tuesday.

Both programs leave Chicago with clear takeaways. Duke knows it can rely on Boozer when the offense stalls.

Arkansas saw a stretch of basketball that showed what it can become, as long as late-game growth continues.

Key Takeaways

• Cameron Boozer scored 35 points and led Duke to an 80–71 win.

• The Razorbacks rallied from 13 down to take a second-half lead behind Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas.

• Duke closed stronger, with Patrick Ngongba II and Caleb Foster securing key baskets in the final minutes.