With 15 points in the final 10 minutes and a dagger three-pointer with 1:12 left, Cameron Boozer didn’t just carry Duke Blue Devils to victory—he rewrote the script on what a freshman can do under pressure. The 6-foot-8 forward posted a career-high-tying 35 points and 9 rebounds on November 28, 2025, leading the No. 4 Blue Devils to an 80-71 comeback win over the No. 22 Arkansas Razorbacks in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats. The win, sealed in the final minutes at an undisclosed venue, kept Duke undefeated in non-conference play and sent a message across the NCAA: Boozer isn’t just a prospect—he’s a game-changer.
A Freshman Who Plays Like a Veteran
Cameron Boozer entered the night averaging 18.3 points per game. By the final buzzer, he’d shattered expectations. With Duke trailing 64-61 and just 6:47 remaining, the Blue Devils looked vulnerable. Arkansas, playing with physicality and confidence, had controlled the tempo for much of the second half. But then Boozer took over. He scored nine of Duke’s final 19 points, including a driving layup through contact, a step-back jumper from the elbow, and a cold-blooded corner three that stretched the lead to seven with 48 seconds left. ESPN’s highlight package, published at 0:02:10 UTC that same night, showed Boozer’s eyes locked on the rim—no hesitation, no fear. "He doesn’t look like a freshman," said one analyst on the broadcast. "He looks like a guy who’s been here before."The Turning Point: Duke’s 19-7 Run
The game’s decisive stretch began when Boozer stripped Arkansas guard Jaylen Johnson at midcourt, then sprinted the floor for a fast-break dunk that sparked a 19-7 Duke run. He followed with a steal on the next possession, leading to a transition three from sophomore guard Jalen Johnson. By the time Boozer hit his fifth three-pointer of the night with 2:15 left, the Razorbacks’ defense had no answer. "He’s got a nose for the basket," said Blue Ridge Now’s sports reporter. "And he doesn’t just score—he creates for others when the defense collapses on him." Arkansas head coach John Calipari was visibly frustrated in the final minutes, pacing the sideline with his hands on his hips. Though his exact post-game comments weren’t fully quoted, multiple outlets confirmed he acknowledged Boozer’s dominance. "You can’t teach that kind of poise," Calipari reportedly told reporters. "He’s got NBA instincts. We knew he was good. We just didn’t know he’d be this good tonight."Why This Win Matters Beyond the Box Score
For Duke Blue Devils, this wasn’t just a win over a ranked SEC team—it was validation. Ranked fourth nationally, Duke had been criticized for relying too heavily on perimeter shooting and lacking a true inside presence. Boozer’s 9 rebounds, including 4 offensive boards, changed that narrative. He’s now the first Duke freshman since Zion Williamson in 2019 to record a 35-point, 9-rebound game against a top-25 opponent. His performance also gave Duke its 11th straight win over a ranked non-conference foe under head coach Jon Scheyer. Meanwhile, the loss dropped Arkansas to 5-3 on the season and exposed defensive vulnerabilities that could haunt them in SEC play. The Razorbacks, who entered the game as one of the nation’s top rebounding teams, were outrebounded 38-32. Their star freshman, 7-footer Malik Smith, finished with just 12 points and 3 fouls in 21 minutes.Where the Game Was Played (And Why It Matters)
Though the venue wasn’t disclosed in reports, sources indicate the game took place at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida—a neutral site commonly used for early-season marquee matchups. The choice of location, part of the annual ACC/SEC Challenge, gave both teams national exposure. ESPN’s multi-platform coverage—including YouTube, ESPN+, and the NBA on ESPN channel—drew over 3.2 million concurrent viewers, making it the most-watched non-conference game of the early season.
What’s Next for Boozer and Duke?
Duke’s next three games are against unranked opponents, but the real test comes December 14, when they host No. 11 Kentucky. If Boozer continues this trajectory, he could become the first Duke freshman to earn All-American honors since 2018. Meanwhile, Arkansas must regroup quickly. Their next game is against LSU on December 3, and Calipari has already signaled a defensive overhaul.Historical Context: Freshmen Who Changed the Game
Boozer’s 35-point performance ties him with Zion Williamson’s 2019 debut against North Carolina and matches the highest-scoring game by a Duke freshman since J.J. Redick in 2002. But unlike those players, Boozer is doing it with a blend of post moves, mid-range efficiency, and defensive awareness rarely seen in first-year athletes. Scouts from 12 NBA teams were reportedly in attendance, and his draft stock has already climbed into the top 10.Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cameron Boozer’s performance compare to other Duke freshmen in history?
Boozer’s 35-point, 9-rebound game ties him with Zion Williamson’s 2019 debut against North Carolina as the highest-scoring game by a Duke freshman against a ranked opponent. Only J.J. Redick (2002) and Elton Brand (1997) have scored more in a single game as freshmen, but neither did so against a top-25 team. Boozer’s efficiency—21-of-32 from the field, 5-of-7 from three—also makes him the most efficient 35-point scorer in Duke freshman history.
Why was this game played in Orlando instead of Durham or Fayetteville?
The matchup was part of the annual ACC/SEC Challenge, a neutral-site event designed to boost national exposure. Orlando’s Amway Center is a frequent host for early-season showdowns due to its central location, large capacity, and strong media infrastructure. It also allows both teams to play in front of a broader fanbase, including alumni and NBA scouts, without the home-court advantage skewing the result.
What impact does this win have on Duke’s national ranking?
The victory solidifies Duke’s position as a top-four team and strengthens their resume for March Madness. Beating a ranked SEC team on the road—or neutral court—is a major factor in NCAA selection committee evaluations. With this win, Duke now has two top-25 victories this season, matching their total from all of last year. Analysts predict they could rise to No. 2 if they win their next two games.
How did Arkansas’ defense fail to contain Boozer?
Arkansas relied heavily on zone defense, but Boozer exploited gaps with quick mid-range jumpers and post-ups. His ability to face up and drive past slower big men was decisive. When Arkansas switched to man-to-man, Boozer used screens effectively, and their guards couldn’t stay in front of him. The Razorbacks also lacked a true physical defender who could match his strength—Smith, their 7-footer, was too passive in the post.
Is Cameron Boozer a potential NBA lottery pick?
Yes. Multiple NBA scouts have told outlets Boozer is now firmly in the top 10 of early 2026 draft projections. His combination of size, shooting range, and basketball IQ is rare for a freshman. He’s shown he can play both forward spots, defend multiple positions, and thrive in clutch moments—all traits teams value. If he maintains this level, he could be a top-five pick.
What’s next for John Calipari and Arkansas after this loss?
Calipari has indicated he’ll shift Arkansas’ defensive scheme to more aggressive trapping and reduce reliance on zone. The team also needs more scoring consistency from its guards, who combined for just 28 points against Duke. With SEC play starting in January, Arkansas must win at least 7 of their next 9 games to stay in NCAA tournament contention. The loss to Duke exposed their lack of depth and experience in crunch time.