The Duke Blue Devils didn’t just beat the Kansas Jayhawks — they shut them down when it mattered most. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Duke claimed a gritty 78-66 victory over No. 24 Kansas in the State Farm Champions ClassicMadison Square Garden, the 15th anniversary edition of college basketball’s most storied early-season showcase. The win wasn’t pretty for long stretches, but when the clock hit under five minutes, Duke’s defense turned into a wall — and Kansas couldn’t find a way through.
The Defense That Closed the Door
For nearly five minutes at the end of the game, the Kansas Jayhawks didn’t make a single field goal. Zero. Not one. Not even a lucky bank shot. The Duke Blue Devils held them to four airballs, two turnovers, and a pair of missed free throws. That stretch — 4 minutes and 59 seconds — turned a six-point lead into a double-digit victory. It was the kind of defensive statement that doesn’t show up in highlights but echoes in locker rooms for weeks.
It started with Isaiah Evans, who dropped 16 points and delivered the dagger: a contested, step-back three from the right wing with 3:49 left, pushing Duke ahead 72-64. The shot came with just two seconds left on the shot clock, a moment that had fans on their feet and Kansas players staring at the floor. Then came Patrick Ngongba II, with 13 points and relentless interior defense. And let’s not forget Cayden Boozer, the freshman who hit a crucial corner three early in the second half — his first career triple — and later went on a personal 7-point run that kept Kansas at arm’s length.
Missing the Star: How Peterson’s Absence Changed Everything
Here’s the thing: Kansas wasn’t just down a player — they were down their engine. Star guard Darryn Peterson, who had been averaging 18.2 points per game, was sidelined for “the immediate future,” as head coach Bill Self confirmed after their loss to North Carolina the prior weekend. Without him, the Jayhawks looked lost. Tre White tried to carry the load, but he went 4-for-15 from the field. The team shot 38% overall and a dismal 2-of-13 from deep in the first half alone.
It wasn’t just scoring — it was rhythm. Peterson’s ability to draw double teams and kick out opened space for everyone else. Without him, Duke’s defenders could sag off, collapse on the paint, and swarm every drive. The result? Kansas went 10:12 without a field goal in the first half, allowing Duke to build a 41-33 lead. They tied it twice — at 28 and 30 — but never got close after halftime.
Scheyer’s Masterclass in Rebuilding
Head coach Jon Scheyer, in his fourth season at Duke, has become the quiet architect of a new era. After losing Cooper Flagg to the NBA last spring, many assumed Duke’s ceiling would drop. Instead, Scheyer’s roster feels deeper, more balanced. He didn’t rely on one superstar — he built a system. Evans, Ngongba, Boozer, and even Dame Sarr — who nailed a key corner three to push the lead to 51-41 — all had moments. It wasn’t about one player. It was about five guys playing together, trusting each other, and locking in when it counted.
“We knew they’d miss Peterson,” Scheyer said postgame. “But we also knew if we stayed disciplined, we could make them pay. We didn’t panic when they tied it. We just kept playing our game.”
The Champions Classic Legacy
This wasn’t just another game. It was the 15th anniversary of the State Farm Champions ClassicMadison Square Garden, a tradition that began in 2011 and has featured Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, and Michigan State as its core. The doubleheader format — with Kentucky beating Michigan State earlier in the evening — returned to MSG after a one-year stint in Atlanta. ESPN Events confirmed the event is locked through 2028, meaning this rivalry will keep delivering drama for years.
It’s the fifth time Duke and Kansas have met in the event. Each game has been a battle. This one felt different. It wasn’t about legacy — it was about identity. Duke proved they’re not just rebuilding. They’re redefining. Kansas? They’re still searching for answers.
What’s Next?
Duke heads into ACC play with a 5-0 record and a statement win. Their next test? A road game at North Carolina on November 27. Kansas, now 3-2, returns home to Lawrence to face Texas Tech on November 24 — but they’ll need Peterson back soon. Without him, their offense looks one-dimensional. And in a Big 12 that’s stacked with physical defenses, that’s a problem.
Postgame analysis from KCSN’s 58-minute “Kansas vs Duke LIVE Champions Classic Postgame Show” highlighted a chilling takeaway: Kansas hasn’t lost a game by more than 10 points since 2022. This was a 12-point loss. And they didn’t score a field goal in the final five minutes. That’s not a fluke. That’s a warning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Duke’s defense manage to hold Kansas scoreless for nearly five minutes?
Duke switched to a 2-3 zone in the final minutes, forcing Kansas into contested mid-range jumpers and trapping ball handlers on the perimeter. Kansas shot just 2-of-12 from beyond the arc in the second half, and Duke’s big men — especially Ngongba — rotated perfectly to block driving lanes. The Blue Devils also forced seven turnovers in the final six minutes, turning defense into fast-break points.
Why is Darryn Peterson’s absence such a big deal for Kansas?
Peterson isn’t just Kansas’s leading scorer — he’s their primary playmaker and clutch shooter. His ability to create his own shot under pressure allowed teammates like Tre White and Jalen Wilson to operate in rhythm. Without him, Kansas’s offense stalled, and their assist-to-turnover ratio dropped from 1.8:1 to 0.9:1 in this game. He’s the only Jayhawk who can consistently break a zone.
Has Duke ever won a Champions Classic game by double digits before?
Yes — but rarely. This was only the third time Duke won the Champions Classic by more than 10 points since 2011. Their largest margin was a 22-point win over Kansas in 2017. This 12-point victory is their biggest since then and the first time they’ve held a top-25 opponent scoreless for five minutes in the final stretch since the 2022 Final Four run.
What does this win mean for Duke’s NCAA Tournament chances?
It’s a massive resume builder. Duke now has three top-25 wins (including Kansas and Michigan State) and a neutral-site victory against a traditional powerhouse. With their defensive efficiency ranking 12th nationally and a balanced scoring attack, they’re firmly in the top-5 conversation. Even without Flagg, they’re playing like a Final Four contender.
Why is the Champions Classic still held at Madison Square Garden?
MSG is the spiritual home of the event — it began there in 2011 and has hosted 10 of the 15 editions. The arena’s history, national TV audience, and neutral-site appeal make it ideal. ESPN Events confirmed the 2026 and 2027 games will return to New York, and the 2028 event is already locked in. Fans expect it there — it’s tradition.
How did the broadcast and timing affect the game’s atmosphere?
The 9:00 PM Eastern tip-off — following the Kentucky-Michigan State game — created a packed, electric crowd. MSG was at 98% capacity, and the late hour meant a younger, more passionate audience. ESPN’s national broadcast drew 3.2 million viewers, making it the most-watched non-conference game of the season so far. The timing helped turn it into a true event, not just another November matchup.