Post by : Maya Rahman

The Duke Blue Devils showcased their prowess with a commanding 78-66 win against the Kansas Jayhawks on Tuesday evening in New York. This matchup was part of the Champions Classic, a prestigious event highlighting top-tier college basketball programs. Duke, ranked No. 5, faced off against No. 24 Kansas.

For most of the game, the score remained tight. However, Duke seized the moment with a decisive 9-0 run as the clock wound down. Kansas faltered for over four minutes without a basket, allowing Duke to solidify their lead and improve their record to 5-0, while Kansas fell to 3-2.

Cameron Boozer, the freshman phenom, led Duke with an impressive 18 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, marking his third double-double of the season. His contributions were instrumental in maintaining Duke's edge against Kansas during high-pressure scenarios.

Isaiah Evans also played a crucial role for the Blue Devils, netting 16 points, while Patrick Ngongba II added 13. Duke demonstrated exceptional collaboration, especially as the game's intensity heightened.

Kansas struggled without their key freshman, Darryn Peterson, sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Nevertheless, they remained competitive, briefly narrowing Duke's lead to 65-61 with less than six minutes to play.

Tre White led the Jayhawks with 22 points and nine rebounds, just short of a double-double. Melvin Council Jr. contributed with 15 points and six assists, while Flory Bidunga scored efficiently with 14 points on 7-of-10 shooting.

However, Kansas struggled significantly behind the arc, making only 4-of-21 attempts (19%). Their late-game shooting slump was detrimental, as they failed to score after Council's three brought them within three points at 67-64.

A pivotal factor in the outcome was Duke's rebounding dominance, claiming a 41-30 advantage on the boards, including 13 offensive rebounds. Boozer's key rebound led to a vital three-pointer from Evans during the final stretch.

Duke also had stronger bench support, with four reserves contributing points compared to Kansas's single bench scorer, resulting in an 18-5 edge in bench scoring.

Overall, superior rebounding, bench productivity, and effective execution in clutch moments allowed Duke to secure the victory, despite both teams encountering shooting difficulties.

The first half saw intense competition, with both teams struggling from beyond the arc, shooting collectively 5-of-24 before halftime. Duke finished the half strong with an 11-3 run, establishing a 41-33 lead at the break.

Evans’ last-second three-pointer before halftime provided a crucial momentum boost for Duke as they entered the second half.

The free-throw line proved significant, as Duke converted 17-of-26 attempts while Kansas faltered at 10-of-14. These additional points were vital for Duke in maintaining their lead.

This victory signifies Duke's third away win and their second victory on a neutral court against a prominent rival this season. The Blue Devils demonstrate a balance of youth and talent, with players like Boozer and Evans rising to the occasion.

Despite the defeat, Kansas displayed tenacity and skill. Once they regain full health, particularly with Peterson's return, they should continue to improve while needing to address their shooting and rebounding challenges to compete with elite teams.

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