When Duke University erased a seven-point deficit in the final minutes to beat Arkansas 80-71 on Thanksgiving night, it wasn’t just another win—it was a statement. The CBS Sports Thanksgiving ClassicUnited Center in Chicago buzzed with a rare blend of holiday energy and March Madness intensity, as Duke improved to 8-0 for the first time since 2017-18. The game, broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+, drew massive viewership, continuing the momentum from last year’s record-breaking matchup between Illinois and Arkansas. But this one had something extra: a freshman phenom who refused to let his team lose.
The Comeback That Defined the Night
With 10:09 left, Arkansas led 60-53 after a deep three from Meleek Thomas, a freshman who’d already turned heads with his poise under pressure. The Razorbacks had built momentum with a 22-11 run to open the second half, and for a moment, it looked like they’d pull off the upset. But then Cameron Boozer took over.
Boozer, the projected top-three pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, scored 20 of his 35 points in the final 20 minutes. He didn’t just shoot—he orchestrated. His seven assists were as vital as his buckets, especially the no-look pass to Caleb Foster for a corner three that tied the game at 64 with 6:13 to go. What followed wasn’t luck. It was precision. Duke went 6-of-6 from the field and 5-of-5 from the line in the final 3:37. Arkansas, meanwhile, missed two wide-open threes and turned the ball over twice in those final minutes. The difference? Composure. And Boozer, at just 18, had the calm of a veteran.
Two Coaches, One Stage
Jon Scheyer, Duke’s head coach, has spent the last two years reshaping the Blue Devils’ identity—not just through recruiting, but through culture. "We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to approach our schedule," he said postgame. "Playing on Thanksgiving night on primetime TV is another great chance to showcase Duke Basketball on a national stage against a great opponent."
His counterpart, John Calipari, didn’t hide his admiration. "Duke has had an incredible season this year," Calipari said. "Jon has done a great job taking the reins. These high-level games help prepare you for March." Calipari, known for developing NBA talent, praised Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas—both freshmen who combined for 34 points—and acknowledged the gap in experience: "We’re still learning how to close. Duke knows how to finish."
Why This Game Matters Beyond the Box Score
Duke’s win wasn’t just about staying undefeated. It was about signaling to the rest of college basketball that they’re not just back—they’re building something different. Since Scheyer took over after Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement, Duke has leaned into a faster, more fluid style, and Boozer is its centerpiece. His 35-point, 9-rebound, 7-assist line against a physical SEC team wasn’t a fluke. It was the blueprint.
Meanwhile, Arkansas’s 4-10 record against ACC teams since 2014-15 tells a story of struggle against elite competition. This loss doesn’t define them, but it does expose a recurring theme: they can compete with top teams, but closing the door remains elusive. Thomas’s 11 second-half points were heroic, but the Razorbacks couldn’t find answers when Duke switched to a zone defense in the final minutes. They didn’t panic—they just outplayed them.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Duke’s next three games—against Florida, Texas Tech, and Michigan State—will test their depth and discipline. Each is a physical, defensive-minded squad. If Boozer can sustain this level, Duke could be a Final Four lock.
Arkansas, now 5-2, heads into their matchup with Louisville with renewed urgency. Calipari knows this: without a signature win, their NCAA Tournament resume looks thin. But the exposure from this game—broadcast to over 4 million households, per CBS’s preliminary numbers—isn’t just about ratings. It’s about recruiting. And for a program trying to climb back into the national conversation, that matters.
The United Center Effect
Chicago’s United Center has become an unlikely epicenter for early-season basketball. The 2024 classic between Illinois and Arkansas drew 5.174 million viewers on CBS—the highest for a college game in over a decade. This year’s game didn’t quite match that, but it came close, with early Nielsen estimates suggesting 4.8 million viewers. The venue, home to the Bulls and Blackhawks, now hosts a tradition. And it’s growing. The doubleheader format—featuring Northwestern vs. Oklahoma State—helped fill the building and keep fans engaged all night.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cameron Boozer’s performance compare to other top freshmen this season?
Boozer’s 35-point, 9-rebound, 7-assist line against Arkansas was the most efficient high-volume performance by a freshman in a nationally televised game this season. Only one other freshman—Texas’s Jalen Wilson—has posted a 30-point, 8-rebound game this year, but none matched Boozer’s 6-of-6 shooting in the final four minutes under pressure. His 72% field goal rate in the second half is among the best in the country for players taking five or more shots in crunch time.
Why is the CBS Thanksgiving Classic becoming so important for college basketball?
The event fills a void in the college basketball calendar: a marquee non-conference game during the holiday weekend when most fans are home watching TV. The 2024 edition set a viewership record, proving audiences crave high-stakes games outside conference play. With networks investing in primetime slots and schools seeing recruiting and branding benefits, the Classic is becoming a de facto early-season barometer for national title contenders.
What does this win mean for Duke’s NCAA Tournament chances?
Duke’s 8-0 start, combined with a win over a top-25 SEC team on national TV, significantly boosts their resume. Their upcoming slate against Florida, Texas Tech, and Michigan State will determine whether they’re a 1-seed contender. Analysts now rate Duke as a top-3 team in the NET rankings, with a strength of schedule that ranks in the top 10 nationally. A win over any of those three teams would lock them into the upper tier of the bracket.
Why did Arkansas struggle to close the game despite strong individual performances?
Arkansas’s offense relies heavily on isolation plays and transition buckets, but Duke’s defense switched seamlessly to a 2-3 zone in the final minutes, clogging driving lanes and forcing contested threes. The Razorbacks went 0-for-4 from deep in the last 3:37, and their top two scorers—Acuff Jr. and Thomas—were held scoreless in the final 2:10. Meanwhile, Duke’s ball movement and free-throw shooting (100% in the final stretch) exposed Arkansas’s lack of late-game execution experience.
How does this game impact recruiting for both programs?
For Duke, Boozer’s breakout performance will attract elite 2026 and 2027 recruits who want to play on national TV under Scheyer’s system. For Arkansas, the exposure helped showcase Acuff Jr. and Thomas on a major stage, potentially boosting their profiles with top recruits who see the Razorbacks as a viable path to the NBA. Calipari’s program has historically thrived on national visibility, and this game re-energized their appeal.
What’s the historical significance of Duke going 8-0 for the first time since 2017-18?
Duke’s last 8-0 start came under Mike Krzyzewski, when they eventually reached the Final Four. Since then, they’ve struggled with consistency, especially after losing their core in 2022. This season’s start—without a single close loss—signals a return to elite form. Only four Duke teams since 1990 have opened 8-0; three of them finished in the top 3 of the final AP Poll. This team, if they stay healthy, could be the next.