NEW YORK — Cameron Boozer posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds as fifth-ranked Duke defeated No. 24 Kansas 78-66 on Tuesday night in the annual Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden.
The Blue Devils (5-0) overcame an inconsistent start to pull away from a shorthanded Jayhawks squad that was missing its star freshman, Darryn Peterson.
Alongside Boozer’s dominant performance, twin brother Cayden Boozer contributed crucial baskets in the second half. Isaiah Evans added 16 points, including a pivotal 3-pointer following the under-4-minute timeout, while Patrick Ngongba was efficient from the floor, scoring 13 points on perfect 4-of-4 shooting.
Peterson’s Absence Looms Large
Kansas (3-2) played without Peterson, the nation’s top recruit and a potential top pick in next year’s NBA draft. The freshman has now missed three consecutive games due to a lingering hamstring injury.
Despite his absence, the Jayhawks managed to rattle Duke early with fast-break points. However, a disparity in depth and mounting foul trouble eventually wore down the Kansas roster. All five starters committed at least one foul in the first half, with three players picking up two apiece before the break.
Foul Trouble and Late Runs
As the game progressed, the foul trouble translated into fatigue for Kansas. Flory Bidunga picked up his fourth foul with more than seven minutes remaining, and Bryson Tiller fouled out with 3:04 left on the clock.
Kansas managed to trim the deficit to 67-64 following a 3-pointer by Melvin Council Jr. with 4:59 remaining. However, Duke responded decisively. Sparked by Evans’ late 3-pointer and four points from Cameron Boozer, the Blue Devils executed a 17-5 run to close out the game, including an 8-0 burst that sealed the victory.
Tre White was a bright spot for Kansas, doing everything he could to keep his team in contention. White finished with 23 points and nine rebounds.
Up Next
The Jayhawks travel to Las Vegas to face Notre Dame on Monday night in the opening game of the Players Era tournament. Pregame coverage on 95.5 KNDY-FM, Classic Rock Z-96.3 The Lake, and SuperStar Country 102.5 FM & 1530 AM begins at 2 p.m. with tip-off from Las Vegas set for 2:30 p.m.
