The Duke Blue Devils didn’t just beat the Kansas Jayhawks — they exposed them. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at a neutral-site arena, Duke rolled to a 78-66 victory in the Champions Classic, a game that felt less like a season opener and more like a statement. The win, sealed by suffocating defense and relentless depth, came despite an early 18-2 deficit and a Kansas team that refused to fold. For Jon Scheyer, in his fourth year as head coach, it was another sign that Duke’s championship DNA hasn’t faded — even after losing three of last year’s top-five NBA draft picks.
Early Struggles, Late Surge
Kansas came out swinging. The Jayhawks built a 15-10 lead within the first five minutes, then stretched it to 18-2. By halftime, they still held a 28-24 advantage. But something shifted. Duke didn’t panic. They didn’t force shots. They didn’t chase the scoreboard. Instead, they tightened their perimeter defense, switched relentlessly, and let their depth wear Kansas down. "Our perimeter defense/switching was great," wrote one fan on the Duke Basketball Report forum. "We held Kansas to 4-21 from three. That’s not luck. That’s discipline." The turning point came with 4:14 left in the first half. Duke went on a 6-0 run to take a 30-28 lead. From there, they never looked back. The Blue Devils outscored Kansas 48-38 in the second half, outrebounding them 37-29 and forcing 14 turnovers. Kansas, missing star forward Peterson due to injury, lacked the inside presence to counter Duke’s frontcourt rotation of Sarr, Khamenia, and Evans.Depth Over Stardom
Here’s the twist: Duke didn’t need a superstar to win. They didn’t need Cameron Boozer — the freshman phenom who’s already being talked about as a future First Team All-American — to carry them. Boozer scored 17 points, but it was the collective effort that won the game. Five Duke players scored in double figures. Four of them are projected NBA draft picks in this year’s ESPN mock draft. And yet, according to the same forum post, "Duke had 5 NBA prospects... and Kansas had NONE (with Peterson out)." That’s not just a stat — it’s a philosophy. Kansas, historically a program built on recruiting one or two elite talents, was left scrambling without their anchor. Duke, by contrast, operates like a factory. Last year, they sent three players in the top 10 of the NBA draft. This year, they’ve replaced them with a new wave — and it’s already working.Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This wasn’t just another non-conference win. It was a referendum on how college basketball is evolving. The days of relying on a single superstar to carry a team are fading. Duke’s model — deep, disciplined, and defensively elite — is becoming the new standard. The Jayhawks, meanwhile, are still chasing the old one. "I expected a letdown without Peterson," wrote another forum user. "But I didn’t see this as a usual strong Kansas team. The spread was 10.5. We won by 12." The game also highlighted the growing gap in institutional infrastructure. Duke’s coaching staff, led by Scheyer, has mastered the art of player development and game management. Kansas, under new head coach Bill Self’s successor, still seems to be in transition. When Duke’s bench poured in 32 points — compared to Kansas’s 18 — it wasn’t just about talent. It was about culture.What’s Next for Both Teams
Duke’s schedule doesn’t soften. Next up: Niagara on November 21 at 7 p.m. on ACC Network, followed by Howard on November 23 at 4 p.m., then a marquee matchup against Arkansas on November 26 at 8 p.m. on CBS. If the Blue Devils keep playing like this, they’ll be in the national conversation by December. Kansas, meanwhile, faces a tougher road. Without Peterson, their ceiling drops significantly. They’ll need to find scoring from guards Bidunga and Council, and hope their frontcourt can hold up against bigger, deeper teams. Their next game — against a tough South Dakota State squad — will be a true test of their resilience.
How to Watch: Broadcast Details
The game aired on ESPN at 8:00 p.m. CT, though it started late due to the preceding Kentucky-Michigan State doubleheader. Streaming was available via Watch ESPN and YouTube TV, which includes ESPN in its base package alongside ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. For fans who missed it, the full game is archived on ESPN+ and the official Duke University Athletics Department YouTube channel.Historical Context
This was the fifth meeting between Duke and Kansas in Champions Classic history. The Blue Devils now lead the series 3-2 in the event, with wins in 2012, 2018, and now 2025. The rivalry, though not as frequent as Duke-Kentucky or Kansas-Missouri, carries weight. Both programs have combined for 14 NCAA titles. Tuesday’s game wasn’t just about rankings — it was about legacy.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Duke’s defense win the game?
Duke held Kansas to just 4-of-21 from three-point range — a shocking 19% shooting from deep. Their switching defense disrupted Kansas’s ball movement, forcing contested jumpers and limiting penetration. The Blue Devils also forced 14 turnovers, many coming from Kansas guards panicking under pressure. That defensive effort was the difference, especially since Kansas’s star, Peterson, was out.
Who are Duke’s key players besides Cameron Boozer?
Freshman Cameron Boozer led the team with 17 points, but Duke’s depth was the story. Sarr (14 points, 8 rebounds), Khamenia (13 points, 6 assists), Evans (12 points), and Cayden (11 points, 5 rebounds) all contributed significantly. Five Duke players are projected NBA draft picks this year, with four likely to go in the first round — a sign of their elite talent pipeline.
Why was Kansas’s absence of Peterson so critical?
Peterson, Kansas’s leading scorer and rebounder, was sidelined with a foot injury. He averaged 18.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game last season. Without him, Kansas lost their primary interior threat and go-to scorer in crunch time. Their guards tried to carry the load, but Duke’s perimeter defense made every shot a battle.
How does this win impact Duke’s national title chances?
This win instantly elevates Duke’s profile. They’re now 5-0, with wins over Texas and Kansas — both top-25 teams. Their depth, defensive discipline, and experience from last year’s Final Four run make them legitimate contenders. If they maintain this level of play, they could be a top-3 seed in March and a serious threat to win the championship.
What’s the significance of the Champions Classic?
The Champions Classic is college basketball’s most prestigious early-season showcase, featuring Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, and Michigan State. It’s not just a game — it’s a branding event for the sport. Winning here signals legitimacy. Duke’s 3-2 record in the event since 2011 shows they thrive under pressure, and this win adds another chapter to their legacy.
Where can fans watch Duke’s next games?
Duke’s next three games are all on ACC Network: Niagara (Nov. 21), Howard (Nov. 23), and then Arkansas on CBS (Nov. 26). All games are also available via the ESPN app and YouTube TV, which includes ACCN and CBS in its base package. Duke’s official athletics website lists live streams and TV times for every game.
