When Cameron Boozer drained a three-pointer with 5:11 left in the first half, the Duke Blue Devils didn’t just take the lead — they seized control. By the final buzzer at the United Center on Thanksgiving night, Boozer had turned a tense matchup into a personal statement: 35 points, 9 rebounds, 7 fouls drawn. No. 4 Duke defeated No. 22 Arcansas Razorbacks 80-71 in the CBS Sports Thanksgiving ClassicChicago, drawing a near-sellout crowd of 20,884 and delivering one of the most electric performances of the early college basketball season.
A Family Night in Chicago
The atmosphere was thick with emotion. Cameron and his twin brother, Cayden Boozer, both playing for Duke, shared the court under the same roof where their father, former Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer, once dominated. Carlos, who played four seasons in Chicago from 2010 to 2014, watched silently from the stands — proud, but not surprised. "You know, it can go by quickly," Cameron said afterward. "You’re only here for so long. Being here with my guys, enjoying days like this… Thanksgiving, playing a big game. Just having fun with it." It wasn’t just sentimental. It was strategic. Arkansas, under head coach John Calipari, had bypassed the usual "Feast Week" grind of mid-tier matchups, opting instead for a single, high-stakes game — just like they did in 2024 against Illinois. This year, they got a tougher test. And Cameron Boozer made them pay.The Clutch Surge
Arkansas led 54-52 with 8:30 left in the second half. The Razorbacks had weathered Duke’s early run, and momentum seemed to be shifting. But then came the moment Calipari called "the turning point." With 6:13 remaining, Boozer drew a foul on a drive to the basket, converted the three-point play, and suddenly, the game was tied. He followed it with a mid-range jumper. Then two free throws. Then another basket. By the time the clock hit 1:06, Duke led 77-69. No timeouts left. No room for error. Boozer didn’t just score — he dictated the pace, the rhythm, the outcome. "He was a beast," Calipari said postgame, shaking his head. "We knew he was good. We didn’t know he’d be *that* good when it mattered." Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, in his third season, didn’t flinch. "That was the first time we’ve been put in that situation," Scheyer said. "And Cam… he just put us on his back. Thirty-five and nine. Seven fouls drawn. Passing, defending, carrying us. That’s leadership." The officiating crew called 38 fouls — 22 on Arkansas, 16 on Duke. The physicality was relentless. But Duke’s ability to stay composed under pressure, to turn fouls into points, was the difference.
More Than a Game: NBA Venues as Home Courts
This wasn’t just a Thanksgiving classic. It was part of a deliberate strategy by Duke to play five regular-season games in NBA arenas this season — a move designed to test their mettle against elite competition in high-pressure environments. The United Center was the third stop: Spectrum Center (Charlotte) on November 4 vs. Texas, Madison Square Garden (New York) on November 18 vs. Kansas and December 20 vs. Texas Tech, and Capital One Arena (Washington) on February 21 vs. Michigan. The trend isn’t new — other top programs have done similar things — but Duke’s schedule is among the most ambitious. And it’s working. Their 16-1 record on November 27 in program history is a testament to their ability to rise on big stages. Their only loss on this date? A 75-56 defeat to Purdue in 2022 in Portland.What’s Next?
For Arkansas, the road gets tougher. Six days after this loss, they host No. 5 Louisville — a team with a similar physical style and a top-10 defense. Calipari’s squad will need to clean up their foul trouble (22 against Duke) and find more consistent scoring beyond their frontcourt. Duke, meanwhile, continues its climb. With Boozer emerging as a national player of the year candidate, the Blue Devils are no longer just a preseason favorite — they’re a contender with a killer instinct. And they’re doing it in front of NBA crowds, with national TV cameras rolling, and with family in the stands.
Behind the Broadcast
The game was carried nationally on CBS, with Ian Eagle on play-by-play, Bill Raftery offering color commentary, and Jon Rothstein as analyst. On the Duke radio side, David Shumate and John Roth called the action for the Blue Devil Sports Network. Tickets for the event went on sale October 2, 2025, with presales the day before — a sign of how much buzz this matchup generated. And it wasn’t just hype. The 2024 edition between Arkansas and Illinois drew 5.174 million viewers — the most-watched college basketball game of last season. This year’s game likely matched or exceeded that, given the star power on display.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cameron Boozer’s performance compare to other Duke stars this season?
Cameron Boozer’s 35-point outburst was the highest single-game scoring total by a Duke player this season, surpassing the previous high of 29 by freshman guard Jalen Washington. It’s also the most points scored by a Duke player in a non-conference game since Vernon Carey Jr. dropped 37 against Arizona in 2019. His 7 fouls drawn were the most by a Duke player since 2021, highlighting his ability to attack the rim under pressure.
Why did Arkansas choose to play only one game during Feast Week?
Arkansas has adopted a strategy under John Calipari to avoid the grind of multiple low-stakes games in November. In 2024, they played Illinois on Thanksgiving and went on to win 10 of their next 12 games. This year’s matchup with Duke was intentionally chosen to test their depth and toughness early, preparing them for SEC play. The move has paid off in terms of national exposure, even in defeat.
What’s the significance of Duke playing games in NBA arenas?
Playing in NBA venues like the United Center and Madison Square Garden exposes Duke to louder crowds, bigger TV audiences, and more intense atmospheres — similar to what they’ll face in March Madness. It also helps with recruiting, as top prospects see themselves in those settings. Duke has played 12 games in NBA arenas since 2021, going 10-2, proving they thrive under pressure.
How does this win affect Duke’s NCAA tournament seeding?
The victory over a top-25 team on a neutral court in front of a national audience significantly bolsters Duke’s resume. With wins over Kansas (coming in December) and Texas (already in the books), Duke is on track for a top-2 seed. The NCAA Selection Committee values quality wins in November, especially in high-profile settings — this game could be the difference between a 1-seed and a 2-seed come March.
What’s the history between Duke and Arkansas in basketball?
Arkansas holds a 3-2 edge in the all-time series, including a memorable 1994 NCAA Tournament win. But Duke has dominated in recent decades, winning 16 of the last 17 meetings. The Razorbacks’ last win came in 2011. This year’s game was the first meeting since 2019 and the first in Chicago. The fact that Duke has won 16 of 17 games played on November 27 adds another layer to their dominance on this date.
Did the Boozer family have any connection to the United Center before this game?
Yes. Carlos Boozer played 432 games for the Chicago Bulls between 2010 and 2014, averaging 18.7 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. He was a two-time All-Star in Chicago and remains a fan favorite. His jersey is displayed in the Bulls’ Ring of Honor. Cameron and Cayden grew up watching games here — now, they’re the ones making history on the same court.