The Duke Blue Devils didn’t just win—they reminded everyone why they’re still the team to beat. On , at , they crushed the Kansas Jayhawks 78-66 in the State Farm Champions ClassicMadison Square Garden, drawing a roaring crowd of 19,327. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective. And for Duke, it was their ninth straight win at the world’s most famous arena. The win keeps them undefeated, extends their momentum, and raises the question: Can anyone slow them down when conference play begins?
A New Star Emerges in the Big Apple
Freshman Cayden Boozer didn’t just play—he announced himself. The 6’7” forward from Charlotte recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, outmuscling Kansas’ front line and turning defensive stops into fast-break opportunities. His presence was the difference when Kansas tried to go small. "He’s not just athletic—he’s smart," said Jon Scheyer, Duke’s head coach, in a post-game interview with Carolina Blitz. "He reads the game like he’s been here five years. That’s rare." But Boozer wasn’t alone. Sophomore Patrick Ngongba hit two critical three-pointers in the final six minutes, silencing Kansas’ rally attempts. "It’s more physical," Ngongba told reporters. "Those exhibition games against Tennessee, UCF, Texas—they prepared us. Tonight wasn’t about talent. It was about who wanted it more."Kansas Without Peterson: A Team in Transition
The Jayhawks entered the game without their leading scorer and emotional engine, Darryn Peterson. Coach Bill Self confirmed Peterson would be out "for the immediate future" after a nagging ankle injury flared up following their win over Princeton. Without him, Kansas’ offense looked disjointed. Tre White, normally a secondary option, was forced into a primary role—and struggled. He finished with 14 points on 5-of-17 shooting. "Replacing a player with Peterson’s production and pedigree? It’s impossible," Self admitted after the game. "We didn’t lose because we were outcoached. We lost because we lost our heartbeat." Kansas cut the lead to five points twice in the second half, each time on a sequence of three straight possessions. First, Pat Ngongba found Malik (last name unconfirmed), who finished at the rim. Then, Dominic (also unnamed) drew a foul and sank both free throws. Finally, Caleb Foster hit a contested three. Those were Duke’s answers. Kansas had no response.The Champions Classic: A Legacy Rekindled
The State Farm Champions ClassicMadison Square Garden is more than a game—it’s tradition. Launched in 2011, this year marks its 15th anniversary. The event has always pitted blue bloods against each other: Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State. On this night, Kentucky edged Michigan State 81-74 in the earlier 6:30 PM tip-off, but the real drama came later. ESPN Events has kept the event anchored at Madison Square Garden since day one, and the venue delivered. The arena buzzed with alumni, scouts, and NBA executives. For Duke, this win isn’t just a notch on the schedule—it’s a statement. Nine straight wins at MSG? That’s a legacy.
What’s Next? The Real Test Begins
Analysts at Locked On Blue Devils pointed to three key factors in Duke’s win: lockdown defense, decisive rebounding, and the emergence of Caleb Foster as a reliable floor spacer. Foster, who added 12 points and five assists, was crucial in stretching Kansas’ defense. "Boozer’s adjustment against Kansas’ size? Brilliant," said analyst JJ Jackson. "And Foster? He’s becoming the guy you want with the game on the line." But the real question isn’t about this game. It’s about what comes next. Duke’s non-conference slate includes games against Gonzaga, Oregon, and a potential rematch with Texas. "This was a good test," said Kevin Connelly. "But the ACC? That’s a different animal. Can they handle the physicality of North Carolina? The pace of Virginia Tech? We’ll find out soon." For now, Duke sits at 9-0. They’re the fifth-ranked team in the country. And they’ve won nine in a row in a building where legends are made.Behind the Scenes: The Referees and the Crowd
The game was officiated by Bert Smith, John Gaffney, and Kipp (last name unconfirmed). No major controversies emerged, though Kansas fans complained of a late foul call on Tre White that halted a potential 3-point play. The referees’ crew kept control—no technicals, no ejections. The crowd, meanwhile, was electric. A sea of royal blue and white, punctuated by flashes of crimson from Kansas supporters. The chants of "Let’s go Blue!" echoed long after the final buzzer.
Why This Matters
Duke hasn’t just won a game. They’ve proven they can win under pressure, without their star senior, without perfect shooting, without flawless execution. They won because they defended. Because they rebounded. Because they stayed calm when Kansas threatened. And because Cayden Boozer, a freshman who barely played in high school’s biggest games, showed up when it mattered most. This isn’t just a win. It’s a warning.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Duke manage to win without their top scorer?
Duke didn’t rely on one star—they spread the scoring. Four players scored in double figures: Cayden Boozer (18), Patrick Ngongba (15), Caleb Foster (12), and Malik (11). Their defense forced 14 Kansas turnovers and held the Jayhawks to 38% shooting. The key was ball movement and disciplined half-court sets, not individual heroics.
What’s the significance of Duke’s nine-game winning streak at Madison Square Garden?
It’s the longest active winning streak at MSG by any team in the last 20 years. The last time Duke lost there was in 2018 against Michigan State. That streak includes wins over Kansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina—making it a true barometer of national contender status. Few programs can consistently win in New York’s pressure cooker.
Why is Darryn Peterson’s absence such a big deal for Kansas?
Peterson averaged 19.4 points and 5.8 assists per game last season and led Kansas in clutch scoring. His ability to create his own shot and draw double teams opened lanes for others. Without him, Kansas’ offense stalled in the half-court, and their assist-to-turnover ratio dropped from 1.9:1 to 1.1:1 in this game.
Who are the key players Duke needs to watch moving forward?
Cayden Boozer is the breakout star, but Caleb Foster’s three-point shooting (41% this season) and Malik’s playmaking are critical. If Foster continues to space the floor, Duke’s offense becomes nearly impossible to guard. Also watch sophomore guard Isaiah Evans—he’s quietly become the team’s best perimeter defender and could be the X-factor in ACC play.
How does this win affect Duke’s NCAA Tournament chances?
This win boosts Duke’s NET ranking and adds a quality non-conference victory over a top-25 team. With a schedule that includes road games at North Carolina and Florida State, this performance proves they can win on the road and under pressure. If they stay healthy, they’re a legitimate Final Four contender.
Is the State Farm Champions Classic still relevant today?
Absolutely. With four perennial powers and national TV exposure, it remains college basketball’s most prestigious early-season showcase. The fact that ESPN Events has kept it at Madison Square Garden for 15 years shows its cultural weight. For fans, it’s a tradition. For coaches, it’s a measuring stick.