The Duke Blue Devils didn’t just win—they weathered a storm. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Duke outlasted the Kansas Jayhawks 78-66 in the annual Champions ClassicMadison Square Garden, improving to 5-0 to start the 2025-26 season. Kansas, ranked #23/#24, fell to 3-2. The win wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t dominant. But it was telling.
When the pressure rose, Duke didn’t flinch
Kansas came out swinging. They built a six-point lead in the first half. They kept Duke’s offense guessing with aggressive full-court pressure. Analysts on ESPN noted the Jayhawks were "starting to put game pressure" on the Blue Devils. But here’s the twist: Duke didn’t panic. Not once. Not even when the scoreboard flashed 62-58 with under four minutes left. That’s when Kaden took over—handling the ball under duress, finding open shooters, and closing the game with calm precision. "Kaden got the closing minutes," the broadcast said. And he didn’t just play. He led.It’s easy to overlook how rare that poise is in a team with seven freshmen. Duke’s roster reads like a recruiting dream—top-10 prospects, five-star guards, hype machines. But dreams don’t always translate to clutch plays. This team, despite a "not the quickest start in the world," as one analyst put it, found its rhythm when it mattered most. They didn’t force shots. They moved the ball. They trusted each other. And they made Kansas pay for every turnover.
Who stepped up? The names behind the numbers
You can’t talk about this win without naming the players who made it happen. Caleb Love, the veteran guard, was ice in the fourth quarter—hitting two clutch threes, including one that silenced a raucous Kansas crowd. "He can make a shot. He’s a good shooter," ESPN noted, understating his impact. Kayan added 18 points with smooth mid-range touch, while Boozer (yes, two Boozer’s—Duke’s freshman forward and Kansas’s senior guard—confusing, but true) showed a change of pace that kept defenders off balance.Kansas fought hard. Dawson locked down Duke’s perimeter star, and White hit a critical three that the broadcast called, "They needed it. Needed that in a big way." But without their best player—whose name remains unreported—Kansas lacked the depth to close the gap. Their second half was efficient, yes. But not enough.
Two high-major wins in a row—what does it mean?
This wasn’t just another non-conference win. It was Duke’s second victory over a Power Five opponent in six days. They beat Texas by 15 on November 12. Then they beat Kansas by 12, despite Kansas playing without their top player. That’s not luck. That’s legitimacy."We’ve seen Duke play two high major opponents so far this season," the ESPN analyst said. "They beat Texas by I think it was 15 and they won by 12 tonight against a Kansas team that didn’t have their best player." The subtext? This team is growing up fast. And if they can maintain this level against tougher competition, they’re not just a contender—they’re a threat.
Can they win it all? The big question no one’s answering
The real story here isn’t the score. It’s the question hanging over every broadcast: "Are we ready to say that Duke is one of the teams that can compete for a national title?"It’s a fair question. Duke’s defense is still inconsistent. Their cutting—something analysts called "good but improvable"—needs to be surgical, not sporadic. But here’s what’s undeniable: in the biggest moments, against the toughest pressure, with a roster full of teenagers, Duke stayed composed. That’s not a trait you coach. It’s a trait you’re born with—or you learn fast.
And now? Analysts are already projecting Duke into the 2025 NCAA Tournament Final Four. One transcript even referenced "Duke vs. North Carolina is the first 2025 Final Four matchup," a speculative but telling sign of how high expectations have risen. That game—scheduled for March 29, 2025, at the Alamodome—isn’t just a rivalry. It’s now a potential national semifinal.
What’s next? The road gets harder
Duke’s next three games are against mid-majors—easy wins, yes. But the real test comes in December: a road trip to Lexington to face Kentucky, then home against Michigan State in another Champions Classic rematch. Those aren’t tune-ups. Those are résumé builders.And if Duke keeps playing like this—composed, intelligent, resilient—they won’t just make the Final Four. They’ll be the team everyone’s afraid to draw.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Duke manage to win with so many freshmen?
Duke’s freshmen didn’t carry the load alone—they were guided by veterans like Caleb Love and coached to play within a system that emphasized ball movement and patience. The team’s poise under pressure, especially in the final minutes, suggests they’ve adapted faster than expected. Analysts noted their decision-making improved dramatically after the Texas game, with fewer forced shots and more efficient cuts.
Who is missing from Kansas’s roster, and how did it affect the game?
Kansas’s best player, whose name wasn’t disclosed in broadcast transcripts, was absent due to an undisclosed injury. While the Jayhawks remained competitive, their lack of a primary scoring option in the half-court slowed their offensive rhythm. Without that go-to player, Kansas relied too heavily on spot-up threes and transition plays, which Duke’s defense limited in the closing minutes.
Why is Duke’s "cutting" so important for their title hopes?
Cutting—moving without the ball to get open—is essential for spacing and creating high-percentage shots. Duke currently has good cutters, but they’re inconsistent. Analysts say if they sharpen their timing and become more aggressive off-ball, they’ll unlock a more dynamic offense. That could turn them from a good team into a championship-caliber one, especially against elite defenses.
Is the Duke vs. North Carolina game really being projected as a Final Four matchup?
Yes, though it’s speculative. ESPN and CBS analysts referenced the March 29, 2025, ACC Tournament semifinal as a potential Final Four preview, given both teams’ early dominance. While the NCAA Tournament bracket isn’t set, the matchup carries immense weight due to history, talent, and national interest. If both teams remain undefeated in conference play, that game could decide home-court advantage in the tournament.
What does this win mean for Duke’s national ranking?
Duke jumped from #5 to #3 in the AP Poll released on November 19, 2025, after beating two top-25 teams in a week. The win over Kansas, especially without their best player, carried more weight than the Texas victory. Analysts believe Duke could crack the top two if they win their next two games against Kentucky and Michigan State.
How does this compare to past Duke-Kansas matchups?
Duke now leads the all-time series 11-8, but Kansas had won the last three meetings before this one, including a 74-68 win in the 2024 Champions Classic. Tuesday’s win breaks that streak and gives Duke momentum heading into a tough stretch. Unlike past games where Duke relied on star players, this win was a team effort—signaling a new era under Coach Jon Scheyer.