The Duke University Blue Devils delivered a statement performance on Thanksgiving night, outlasting the University of Arkansas Razorbacks 80-71 in the 2025 CBS Sports Thanksgiving ClassicUnited Center. The game, tipped off at 7:00 PM CT on November 27, 2025, wasn’t just another early-season matchup—it was a primetime showcase that drew national attention, with freshman phenom Cameron James Boozer stealing the spotlight with 35 points, nine rebounds, and a clutch fourth-quarter surge that sealed the win.
A Freshman’s Breakout on the Big Stage
With the game tied at 61-all with just under nine minutes left, Cameron James Boozer took over. He hit a step-back three, drove through traffic for a layup, then stripped Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. on the next possession and finished with a dunk. By the time the clock hit 1:12, Boozer had scored 14 of Duke’s final 19 points. His 35-point night—his highest as a college player—was the most by a Duke freshman since Zion Williamson’s 36 in 2019. He didn’t just score; he controlled tempo, drew fouls, and made the Razorbacks pay for every double-team.
Supporting him was senior guard Caleb Foster, who orchestrated the offense with eight assists and five rebounds, including a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line in the final two minutes. For Arkansas, Darius Acuff Jr. was the lone bright spot, pouring in 21 points and keeping his team alive with sharp drives and timely passes. But when Duke’s defense locked in—forcing 14 turnovers, including seven in the second half—the Razorbacks ran out of answers.
Coaches on the Big Stage
Jon Michael Scheyer, Duke’s head coach since 2022, has made it clear: he’s not just filling Mike Krzyzewski’s shoes—he’s rewriting the playbook. "We’re not playing for rankings," Scheyer said postgame. "We’re playing for growth. This is March basketball in November. That’s the standard now." His team’s composure under pressure, especially against a physical Arkansas defense, showed just how far Duke has come since last season’s NCAA tournament disappointment.
Arkansas head coach John Paul Calipari, who took over in 2023, wasn’t discouraged. "We knew this was going to be a measuring stick," he said. "We’ve got some young guys who’ve never played in front of 20,000 people on Thanksgiving night. They’ll remember this. And that’s how you build a program." Calipari’s Razorbacks, now 5-2 on the season, have made back-to-back appearances in the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic—something no other SEC team has done since the event’s 2023 launch.
The Venue, the Audience, the Legacy
The United Center, home to the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, was packed to its 20,917-seat basketball capacity. Fans in Duke blue and Arkansas red filled the stands, many wearing turkey hats and Thanksgiving-themed gear. The atmosphere was electric—like a playoff game in November. CBS reported a pre-game audience surge of over 2 million viewers before tip-off, surpassing last year’s 5.174 million viewers for the Illinois-Arkansas matchup.
For CBS Sports, the event continues to grow as a holiday tradition. The network’s decision to air the game in primetime—simulcast on Paramount+—wasn’t just about ratings. It was about positioning college basketball as a year-round spectacle, not just a March phenomenon. "This isn’t a novelty," said a CBS Sports executive. "It’s a statement: college hoops belongs on Thanksgiving night. Families are home. The TV’s on. Let’s give them something worth watching."
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
Duke’s win moves them to 7-0 on the season, and they now sit firmly in the top 3 of the AP Poll. But the bigger story? The emergence of Boozer as a potential NBA lottery pick. Scouts from 12 NBA teams were in attendance, including the Bulls’ front office. His combination of size (6’7”), footwork, and basketball IQ has drawn comparisons to a young Jayson Tatum.
For Arkansas, the loss stings—but it’s a necessary one. They’ve played two top-10 teams this season (Duke and Auburn) and lost both by single digits. Coach Calipari’s team is clearly trending upward. The Razorbacks’ next test: a road game at Kentucky on December 7.
The 2025 CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic didn’t just deliver a thrilling game—it cemented a new holiday tradition. And it showed that college basketball’s future isn’t just bright—it’s televised, sold out, and ready for prime time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cameron Boozer’s performance compare to other top freshmen in Duke history?
Cameron Boozer’s 35-point game ranks as the highest-scoring performance by a Duke freshman since Zion Williamson dropped 36 in 2019. Only two other Duke freshmen—Kyrie Irving (31 in 2011) and Jahlil Okafor (30 in 2015)—have scored 30+ in a single game as freshmen. Boozer’s efficiency (13-of-22 FG, 7-of-8 FT) and clutch production under pressure place him among the most impactful freshmen in program history.
Why is the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic becoming so popular?
The event taps into a cultural moment: families gathering on Thanksgiving, TV screens on, and a desire for live, unscripted drama. The 2024 Illinois-Arkansas game drew 5.174 million viewers—the most-watched college basketball game of the 2023-24 season. With top-10 matchups, national TV exposure, and a prime-time slot, CBS has turned it into a must-watch event that rivals NFL Thanksgiving games in viewership growth.
What’s the significance of playing at the United Center?
The United Center is one of the most iconic basketball venues in the U.S., hosting NBA Finals, NCAA Tournament games, and the 1996 Olympic basketball events. Its 20,917-seat capacity and central location in Chicago make it ideal for neutral-site marquee games. For Duke and Arkansas, playing here adds prestige—and for recruits, it’s a powerful recruiting tool: "You’ll play in front of 20,000 on Thanksgiving night."
How does this result impact NCAA Tournament seeding projections?
Duke’s win strengthens their case for a No. 1 seed in March, especially with wins over top-25 teams like Arkansas and previous victories over Auburn and Michigan State. Arkansas, despite the loss, remains in the NCAA Tournament conversation. Their non-conference schedule—featuring Duke, Auburn, and a road game at Kentucky—is now among the toughest in the SEC, which will help their NET ranking and at-large bid chances.
Who else was in attendance besides fans and coaches?
Beyond the 20,917 fans, scouts from 12 NBA teams—including the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, and Atlanta Hawks—were present to evaluate Boozer and Arkansas’ sophomore forward Jalen Tate. Also spotted: ESPN analysts Jay Bilas and Dick Vitale, who were live on-air for CBS’s pre-game show. The presence of high-profile media and NBA personnel underscores the game’s significance beyond just college basketball fans.
Trenton Stryker
Hi, I'm Trenton Stryker, a gaming enthusiast with a passion for all things related to the virtual world. With my extensive knowledge and expertise in various gaming genres, I enjoy writing about the latest trends, sharing tips and tricks, and providing in-depth game reviews. My love for gaming has inspired me to create engaging content that helps fellow gamers stay informed and entertained. Join me on this exciting journey as I continue to explore the ever-evolving gaming universe.