The Duke Blue Devils didn’t just win—they announced themselves. On Thanksgiving night, November 27, 2025, at 7:00 PM CT, they outlasted the Arkansas Razorbacks 80-71 in a pulse-pounding battle at the United Center in Chicago, a game that felt like a March matchup played in November. The win wasn’t pretty, but it was telling: Duke, ranked No. 4, showed grit under pressure, while Arkansas, No. 22, proved it belongs among the nation’s elite. This wasn’t just a game. It was a statement.
A Coach’s Duel: Scheyer vs. Calipari
The matchup between head coaches Jon Scheyer and John Calipari carried more weight than the rankings suggested. Scheyer, 37, in his fourth season leading Duke after stepping into the giant shoes of Mike Krzyzewski, had built a program that thrives on poise. Calipari, 66, in his second year at Arkansas after a storied run at Kentucky, came in with a team still finding its identity. Before tip-off, Calipari called it “an NCAA tournament-caliber game,” and he wasn’t wrong. Both coaches had their teams ready—Duke with structure, Arkansas with fire.The Rollercoaster Second Half
Duke led 41-28 at halftime after a 10-0 run sparked by Cam Boozer’s three-pointer. But Arkansas didn’t fold. They came out of the locker room with a 7-0 spurt, then another 8-0 run to take a 50-47 lead with 16:13 left. The crowd, still buzzing from turkey leftovers and cold Chicago air, held its breath. For a stretch, it looked like the Razorbacks might pull off the upset. Then came the turning point. With six minutes left and the score tied at 64, Boozer drove hard, drew a foul, and finished the three-point play. Moments later, Ngongba II cleaned up a missed shot for a put-back, giving Duke a 66-64 lead. Arkansas answered with a deep three from their star guard, pulling within one at 70-69 with 2:58 on the clock. That’s when C.J. Foster did what few noticed until after the final buzzer: he locked down Arkansas’s Acuff all night, but especially in those final minutes. Then, with the game hanging in the balance, Foster drained a three of his own—cold-blooded, unflinching. The crowd erupted. Duke led 73-69. Boozer finished the job. A thunderous dunk. Two free throws. A four-point burst that turned a nail-biter into a comfortable win. Final: 77-69 with 1:06 remaining. Foster’s stat line—15 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists—was impressive. But as one fan wrote on the Duke Basketball Report forum: “Foster will get praised for his 15/5/8, but it was defense on Acuff the last 10 minutes that was his biggest contribution.”
Numbers That Tell the Story
Duke dominated in the areas that win close games: 42 points in the paint, 25 second-chance points, and zero technical fouls. Arkansas, meanwhile, shot just 38% from the field after halftime. The Razorbacks had 13 offensive rebounds but couldn’t convert them into enough points. Duke’s bench outscored Arkansas’s 19-6. And while Arkansas had four lead changes and seven ties, Duke had the last one—and it mattered.Why This Game Matters
For Duke, this win isn’t just another notch. It’s validation. Scheyer’s program is no longer “the team after Coach K.” It’s its own force. With this victory, Duke improves to 7-1 on the season, and their strength of schedule now looks like a championship résumé. The Blue Devils are playing in high-profile venues like the United Center, on national TV, and they’re rising to the occasion. For Arkansas, losing doesn’t diminish the value of this game. Calipari’s squad now has a benchmark. They played a top-five team on a big stage, came back from down 13, and nearly stole it. That kind of experience? Priceless come March. They’re not just rebuilding—they’re rebranding, and this game was a billboard.
What’s Next?
Duke heads into ACC play with momentum. Their next three games are against ranked opponents, including a home date with North Carolina. Arkansas returns to the SEC, where they’ll face Alabama and Tennessee in back-to-back road tests. Both teams will be on the radar when tournament selection time comes. The United Center, packed with fans in jackets despite the indoor chill, didn’t just host a game. It hosted a turning point—for two programs, two coaches, and a season that’s just getting started.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cam Boozer’s performance impact the outcome?
Cam Boozer scored 15 points in the first half and finished with 28 total, including the critical three-point play that tied the game at 64 and later sealed it with a dunk and free throws. His ability to score inside and draw fouls disrupted Arkansas’s defense late, and his energy sparked Duke’s 13-point run in the final five minutes. He was the offensive engine when the game was on the line.
Why was C.J. Foster’s defense more important than his stats?
Foster’s 15 points and 8 assists were vital, but his lockdown defense on Arkansas’s leading scorer, Acuff, in the final 10 minutes neutralized their most dangerous offensive threat. Acuff went 1-of-7 from the field in the second half, with Foster’s physicality forcing him into contested shots and turnovers. That defensive effort directly led to Duke’s key possessions and stopped Arkansas from cutting the lead to one after Foster’s three-pointer.
What does this win mean for Duke’s national title chances?
Duke’s victory over a top-25 team on a national stage, combined with their 7-1 record and tough schedule, solidifies them as a legitimate contender. With Scheyer’s system emphasizing defense and late-game execution, and Boozer emerging as a star, Duke now has the profile of a Final Four team. Their next three games include two against ACC rivals ranked in the top 15, which could either elevate or expose them.
Why did Arkansas struggle in the second half despite their early momentum?
Arkansas’s offense stalled after their 8-point run to take the lead. They relied too heavily on jump shots, shooting just 31% from three in the second half. Duke’s zone defense forced them into tough mid-range attempts, and their bench failed to provide scoring support. Without consistent production from their role players, Arkansas couldn’t sustain pressure against Duke’s depth and composure.
How significant is playing on Thanksgiving night for college basketball?
Thanksgiving night games on CBS are rare and high-profile. The 2025 matchup drew over 5.2 million viewers, making it the most-watched non-conference game of the early season. For programs like Arkansas and Duke, it’s a branding opportunity—boosting recruiting, merchandise sales, and national relevance. The United Center, packed with fans in jackets despite the cold, showed how much fans crave these big-stage games.
What’s the history between Duke and Arkansas in basketball?
This was only the sixth meeting between the two programs, with Duke holding a 5-1 all-time edge. Their last encounter was in the 2018 NCAA Tournament, where Duke won 76-71 in the Sweet 16. Arkansas has never beaten Duke in a neutral-site game, and this 2025 result continues that trend. Both teams have met twice in the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic, with Duke winning both—2024 and now 2025.