On a chilly Thursday night in Chicago, Cameron Boozer didn’t just play like a star—he became one. The Cameron Boozer, a freshman guard for the Duke Blue Devils, dropped 35 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead his team to an 80-71 upset win over the Arkansas Razorbacks on November 27, 2025. The game, played at an unnamed arena in Chicago, wasn’t just another early-season nonconference clash. It was a statement. And Boozer, barely two months into his college career, made it louder than anyone expected.
A freshman who doesn’t act like one
Boozer didn’t wait for the spotlight—he walked right into it. With Duke clinging to a slim lead late in the first half, he took over. Two threes. A driving layup. An assist on Dame Sarr’s thunderous dunk. In a span of just over two minutes, he sparked a 10-0 run that turned a 22-22 tie into a 32-22 Duke advantage. Arkansas called timeout. It didn’t matter. The freshman from Charlotte had found his rhythm, and the Razorbacks had no answer.By halftime, Boozer had 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting. He wasn’t just scoring—he was orchestrating. His presence forced Arkansas to scramble defensively, opening lanes for Caleb Foster and Dame Sarr. And when the second half began, he didn’t slow down. He hit mid-range jumpers off the dribble, attacked the rim with authority, and even drew fouls when the defense overplayed him. By the final buzzer, he’d matched his career high—something no Duke freshman had ever done twice.
The Arkansas offense that vanished
The real story, though, might be what didn’t happen. Arkansas entered the game ranked No. 22, with three starters who were supposed to carry the load: DJ Wagner, Nick Pringle, and Karter Knox. Wagner, once the #1 high school recruit in the nation, finished with three points on 1-of-7 shooting. Pringle, the team’s primary playmaker, had just one assist and zero field goals. Knox, a physical wing, was held to zero points and picked up two fouls before halftime. Together, the trio combined for just eight points.It wasn’t just bad shooting—it was complete disconnection. Duke’s defense, led by veteran presence from Foster and Sarr, switched seamlessly, denied drives, and forced Arkansas into rushed, contested shots. The Razorbacks made only 38% of their field goals and went 6-of-24 from three. They had chances, yes—Darius Acuff Jr. hit two threes and scored 17 points—but they never found a consistent rhythm. When Wagner, their most dangerous weapon, was neutralized, Arkansas had no Plan B.
A historic night in Durham’s shadow
Boozer’s 35-point performance wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a program first. According to Duke Basketball Report, he’s the first freshman in the 119-year history of the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball program to record two 35-point games. The last Duke player to do it? None. Not even Zion Williamson, not even Kyrie Irving. The weight of that distinction isn’t lost on the coaching staff. Coach Jon Scheyer, who played for Duke himself, called it “a sign of something special” in a postgame interview.And it’s not just the scoring. Boozer’s nine rebounds showed he’s not just a scorer—he’s a complete player. He’s averaging 21.3 points and 7.1 rebounds through five games. He’s shooting 51% from the field and 44% from three. He’s the kind of freshman who makes veteran players say, “I wish I’d been that good at 18.”
What’s next? A gauntlet of top-10 teams
This win doesn’t just boost Duke’s résumé—it sets up a December that could define their season. On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, they host No. 10 Florida at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Then, just days later, they face No. 1 Michigan State in a marquee nonconference showdown. Both games are potential top-10 matchups that could push Duke into the national title conversation.For Arkansas, the road gets harder. They host No. 6 Louisville on December 3, a team that’s already beaten two top-10 opponents this season. Without a consistent offensive identity—especially with Wagner struggling—Arkansas may need to retool quickly. Coach John Calipari’s system relies on explosive guards. Without Wagner, the Razorbacks look one-dimensional.
Why this matters beyond the box score
College basketball thrives on new stars. Boozer isn’t just a great freshman—he’s a glimpse of the future. He’s the kind of player who turns casual fans into diehards. He’s the reason people stay up past midnight to watch a midweek game in Chicago. And he’s proof that Duke’s recruiting machine still delivers, even when the headlines go to other programs.Meanwhile, Arkansas’s struggles raise bigger questions. Can a team with elite talent still lose if its stars go cold? Can defense win games when offense disappears? These aren’t just basketball questions—they’re philosophical ones about how teams build and sustain success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cameron Boozer the best freshman in college basketball this season?
Boozer is arguably the most explosive freshman in the nation. With two 35-point games already under his belt and a 21.3-point average, he’s outpacing other top freshmen like Alabama’s Kaleb Banks and Oregon’s Jalen Hill. What sets him apart is his efficiency—he’s shooting 51% from the field and 44% from three—and his rebounding for a guard. He’s not just scoring—he’s impacting every phase of the game.
Why did DJ Wagner, the former #1 recruit, struggle so badly?
Wagner was tightly guarded by Duke’s perimeter defenders, particularly Caleb Foster and Karter Knox, who switched effectively and denied him space. He took 7 shots and made just one, many of them contested or off-balance. His lack of playmaking and inability to draw fouls left Arkansas without a go-to option. His 3-point shooting, usually a strength, went 0-for-4. It wasn’t just bad luck—it was a defensive masterclass.
How does this win affect Duke’s NCAA Tournament chances?
This victory significantly boosts Duke’s resume. Beating a top-25 team on a neutral court in November is exactly the kind of win the Selection Committee values. With wins over Arkansas and upcoming games against Florida and Michigan State, Duke could enter the new year with a top-3 ranking and a strong case for a No. 1 seed. Their nonconference schedule is now among the toughest in the nation.
Has any other Duke freshman ever had two 35-point games?
No. Not in the 119-year history of the program. Not Zion Williamson. Not Kyrie Irving. Not even Christian Laettner, who was a freshman phenom in 1988. Boozer is the first. His 35-point game against Michigan State on November 12 was his first, and this one against Arkansas was his second. That’s unprecedented—and it’s a sign that Duke’s coaching staff has unlocked something rare in a freshman.
Why was the game played in Chicago instead of Durham or Fayetteville?
The game was part of the 2025 Champions Classic, a series of early-season neutral-site matchups featuring top programs. Chicago’s United Center regularly hosts these high-profile games to maximize exposure and ticket sales. Duke and Arkansas have played in neutral venues before, including last year’s game in Atlanta. It’s a common practice to stage marquee matchups in major cities during November.
What’s the significance of Arkansas losing three starters to just 8 combined points?
It exposes a dangerous over-reliance on a few players. When Wagner, Pringle, and Knox combine for just 8 points, Arkansas has no secondary scoring threat. Darius Acuff Jr. and Trevon Brazile stepped up, but they’re not consistent enough to carry a top-25 team. This kind of performance against a top-5 squad highlights a lack of depth and offensive versatility—something Arkansas will need to fix before facing Louisville and beyond.
