The Duke Blue Devils didn’t just win—they dominated. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the fifth-ranked Blue Devils crushed the 24th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks 78-66 in the annual Champions ClassicMadison Square Garden, silencing doubters and covering the hefty -11 point spread with ease. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Duke, already 5-0 on the season, improved to 6-0, while Kansas dropped to 3-3 against the spread in their last 30 days. The final score of 144 points also crushed the over/under of 148.5, turning the game into a defensive grind no one saw coming.
How Duke Took Control When It Mattered Most
The game wasn’t always pretty, but it was decisive. Kansas, led by guard Tre White (#3), kept it close early—White finished with 22 points and 9 rebounds, hitting 7 of 13 from the field. But Duke’s defense, methodical and suffocating, clamped down after halftime. The turning point came at 4:42 left in the first half, when Duke tied the game at 28 after trailing since the 15:31 mark. That’s when the Blue Devils shifted gears. They didn’t just score—they controlled tempo. No flashy dunks, no last-second threes. Just relentless half-court execution.
And then there was Boozer. Yes, just “Boozer.” The name didn’t appear in the official box score, but Fox Sports’ headline said it all: “Boozer drops 18, grabs 10.” Whether he’s a freshman phenom or a transfer quietly reshaping the roster, his double-double was the engine of Duke’s offense. He didn’t need to be the star—he just needed to be there. And he was. Every rebound, every putback, every defensive stop mattered.
Betting Markets Got It Right—Mostly
The oddsmakers didn’t mess around. Action Network listed Duke as a -750 favorite, meaning you had to risk $750 to win $100. Fox Sports later adjusted it to -709. That’s not just a favorite—that’s a team expected to win by double digits. And they did. Duke won by 12, covering the spread. Meanwhile, the under hit hard. The total was set at 148.5. Final score: 144. Sandy Plashkes of Action Network had already bet 0.91 units on Under 150.5 just weeks before, calling it a “low-scoring game coming.” He wasn’t just lucky—he was sharp.
Here’s the twist: betting percentages were split 50-50. Equal numbers of people picked each team. But 50% of the money? All on Duke. That’s the hallmark of “sharp money”—the pros. Team Rankings confirmed it: the public was confused, but the smart money knew Duke’s defense would suffocate Kansas’s offense. And it did.
Why This Win Matters Beyond the Box Score
Duke’s 6-0 start isn’t just impressive—it’s historic. The Blue Devils haven’t lost since last season’s Final Four heartbreak against Houston on April 6, 2025, when they failed to cover a -4.5 spread. That loss haunted them. This win? It’s redemption. They’ve now won six straight, including a 95-54 demolition of Western Carolina on November 8 and a gritty 75-60 win over Texas on November 5, where they covered a -10.5 spread despite a -600 moneyline. This wasn’t a fluke. It was continuity.
Kansas, meanwhile, looks vulnerable. Their 3-3 ATS record over the last month suggests inconsistency. They’re talented—Tre White is an All-American candidate—but they lack depth. And against elite defenses like Duke’s, that shows. The Jayhawks were projected to win 16.2% of the time by Team Rankings’ model. They didn’t even get close.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Duke heads into ACC play with momentum. Their next test: a road game against #12 North Carolina on December 1. If they can keep their defense this tight, they’ll be a serious national title contender. Coach Jon Scheyer’s system is clicking: disciplined, unselfish, efficient. No one’s averaging more than 15.2 points per game for Duke. It’s a team game. And that’s dangerous.
Kansas needs answers. Coach Bill Self’s squad has struggled with shot selection and turnover control. They’ll face a tough stretch: Baylor, Iowa State, and a home game against #13 Creighton. If they can’t fix their half-court execution, their NCAA tournament hopes could slip. The margin for error is gone.
Behind the Numbers: The Real Story
Let’s talk projections. Team Rankings predicted Duke would win 79.8-69.0. The actual score? 78-66. That’s a 1.8-point error on Duke’s side. Nearly perfect. The model also gave Duke an 83.8% win probability. They won. The over/under was 50.7% for over, 49.3% for under. The under won. The win probability tracker from Gambletron2000 showed Duke’s chances hovering around 25% early, then jumping to 75% by the 10-minute mark of the second half. The game didn’t flip—it collapsed on Kansas.
And let’s not forget the venue. Madison Square Garden was electric. Not just because of the crowd, but because of the history. This is where legends are made. Duke didn’t just win here—they proved they belong in the conversation with the greats who’ve played on this floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the key player for Duke in the game against Kansas?
While no official name was listed in the box score, Fox Sports highlighted a Duke player referred to only as “Boozer,” who scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds—his double-double was the offensive anchor. His ability to finish inside and control the glass was critical in breaking Kansas’s zone defense and maintaining Duke’s lead in the second half.
Why did the under hit in the Duke vs. Kansas game?
The under hit because Duke’s defense forced 14 Kansas turnovers and held them to just 38% shooting from the field. Kansas struggled to generate clean looks, while Duke prioritized ball control and half-court execution over fast breaks. The combined 144 points fell short of the 148.5 over/under, confirming analysts’ pregame warnings about a low-scoring, defensive battle.
How did Duke’s betting odds compare to their actual performance?
Duke entered as a -750 moneyline favorite, implying a 90%+ win probability. They won by 12 points, covering the -11 spread. Their projected win probability of 83.8% by Team Rankings was nearly spot-on. The slight underperformance in scoring (78 vs. 79.8 projected) didn’t affect the outcome—Duke’s defense ensured victory regardless.
What does this win mean for Duke’s national title chances?
This win elevates Duke into the national title conversation. They’ve now beaten three ranked opponents (Texas, Kansas, and previously #15 Michigan State) with defensive discipline and balanced scoring. With six straight wins and no player averaging more than 15.2 PPG, they’re the most unselfish top-5 team in the country. If they maintain this pace, they’re a Final Four lock.
Why was Kansas’s performance so inconsistent this season?
Kansas has shown flashes of brilliance but lacks depth behind Tre White and freshman forward Malik Wilson. They’ve lost three games by an average of 14 points, often collapsing in the final 10 minutes. Their turnover rate (15.2 per game) is the highest in the Big 12, and their bench averages just 18.4 points—far below Duke’s 27.1. Until they solve their bench production, they’ll struggle against elite teams.
Has Duke ever won the Champions Classic before?
Yes. Duke has won the Champions Classic five times since its inception in 2011, including victories over Kansas in 2014 and 2019. This 2025 win marks their sixth overall and third in the last five years, reinforcing their status as the most consistent program in the event’s history. They’re now 6-2 all-time in the Champions Classic, with all six wins coming by double digits.