The Duke Blue Devils pulled off a dramatic 80-71 comeback win over the Arsansas Razorbacks in the 2025 CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago. With the game tipping off at 8:00 PM Eastern Time, it wasn’t just another early-season matchup—it was a national showcase, a playoff preview, and a statement game for two programs with serious March ambitions. Duke, undefeated at 7-0, outlasted a gritty Arkansas squad that had led by seven points with just over 10 minutes left. The twist? Duke went 6-of-6 from the field and 5-of-5 from the line in the final 4:32, turning what looked like a Razorback upset into a signature win under Jon Scheyer.
A Comeback Forged in Clutch Shooting
Arkansas, led by second-year head coach John Calipari, looked poised to pull off the upset. After a Meleek Thomas three-pointer pushed their lead to 60-53 with 10:09 remaining, the Razorbacks seemed to have seized control. But Duke didn’t panic. Caleb Foster, who finished with 15 points, hit a tough fadeaway. Patrick Ngongba added 11, including a critical putback that tied the game at 64 with 6:13 left. Then came the cold-blooded finish: Duke’s offense became a precision machine, draining every shot when it mattered most. Arkansas’s defense, which had been suffocating all night, suddenly looked out of sync.It wasn’t just the shooting. Duke’s bench, particularly their defensive rotations, locked down Arkansas’s key scorers down the stretch. Meleek Thomas, a projected top-10 NBA Draft pick, finished with 13 points but went 0-for-4 in the final six minutes. Darius Acuff Jr., another lottery prospect, was held to just 8 points after a strong first half. Meanwhile, Duke’s Cameron Boozer, the 6’9” forward and projected top-three pick in 2026, played only 21 minutes due to foul trouble—but his presence on the floor changed how Arkansas defended the paint.
A Historic Rivalry Rekindled
This wasn’t just another neutral-site game. It was the sixth meeting ever between Duke and Arkansas, and the first since the 1994 NCAA National Championship—when Arkansas stunned the Blue Devils 76-72 to claim their only title. Five of the six previous matchups happened on neutral courts, including two Final Four battles. The stakes have always been high. Now, with both programs rebuilding under new leadership, this game felt like a passing of the torch—or a reminder that legacy still matters.Arkansas is now 3-3 all-time against Duke, and for a program that’s struggled to stay relevant in the national conversation since the mid-90s, this was a chance to prove they’re back. But Duke, under Scheyer’s steady hand, showed they’re still the blueprint for elite college basketball. The Blue Devils have now won 11 straight games against SEC opponents since Scheyer took over.
Primetime Exposure and the New Normal
The CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic isn’t just a game—it’s a branding powerhouse. The 2024 edition between Illinois and Arkansas drew 5.174 million viewers, the most-watched college basketball game of the entire season. This year’s matchup, with two top-25 teams, elite NBA prospects, and a historic rivalry, was expected to top that. And it did. CBS didn’t just air the game; they made it the centerpiece of their primetime lineup, replacing a repeat of Elsbeth at 10 PM ET. That’s how much they believe in college basketball’s growing cultural footprint.“This will be an NCAA tournament-caliber game that will show us exactly where our team is at,” Calipari said afterward. “These high-level games help prepare you for March.” Scheyer echoed the sentiment: “Playing on Thanksgiving night on primetime TV is another great chance to showcase Duke Basketball on a national stage.”
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Arkansas heads home to Bud Walton Arena to host #6 Louisville on December 4, 2025, as part of the third annual ACC/SEC Challenge. The game is set for 6:00 PM ET and will air on ESPN—despite conflicting reports from The Fayetteville Observer, multiple authoritative sources including Duke Athletics and the United Center confirmed the CBS broadcast only applied to the Thanksgiving game.Duke, meanwhile, returns to Cameron Indoor Stadium with a perfect record and a statement win under their belt. They’ll face a tough stretch: a home game against Michigan State on December 1, followed by a road trip to North Carolina on December 14. But after this performance, the Blue Devils aren’t just a top-four team—they’re a title contender.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This game wasn’t just about wins and losses. It was about visibility. About recruiting. About proving that college basketball still commands national attention in an era dominated by streaming and social media. The fact that a game between two teams from different conferences, played on a holiday, in a neutral city, drew over 5 million viewers and featured three future NBA lottery picks? That’s the power of tradition meeting timing.And let’s not forget the fan experience. Tickets went on sale October 2, 2025, after a presale on October 1, with exclusive access offered through DukeArkansasChicago.com. The United Center sold out within 48 hours. That’s not just basketball—it’s an event. A cultural moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Duke manage to come back from a seven-point deficit?
Duke’s comeback was fueled by perfect execution in the final minutes: they went 6-of-6 from the field and 5-of-5 from the free-throw line over the last 4:32. Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba hit key baskets, while Arkansas’s defense collapsed under pressure. The Razorbacks, who had been aggressive all night, began forcing contested shots and lost their defensive rhythm.
Who were the key NBA Draft prospects in the game?
Duke’s Cameron Boozer, a projected top-three pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, played limited minutes due to fouls but impacted the game defensively. Arkansas featured two potential lottery picks: Meleek Thomas (13 points) and Darius Acuff Jr. (8 points). Both are elite athletes with NBA-level athleticism, but their efficiency dropped in crunch time, highlighting the difference in composure between the two programs.
Why was this game played in Chicago?
Chicago is a neutral market with a massive basketball fanbase and a historic venue in the United Center. CBS and the NCAA have used neutral sites for Thanksgiving classics since 2021 to maximize viewership and fan engagement. The city’s central location and strong media market make it ideal for national broadcasts, especially during the holiday weekend when travel is high.
Was this game televised on ESPN or CBS?
The 2025 CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic was broadcast exclusively on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. While The Fayetteville Observer incorrectly reported an ESPN broadcast, official sources—including Duke Athletics, the United Center, and CBS Sports—confirmed the game aired on CBS. Arkansas’s next game against Louisville on December 4 will be on ESPN.
How does this win affect Duke’s national title chances?
Duke’s victory over a top-25 SEC team on a neutral court, in a high-pressure, nationally televised game, significantly boosts their resume. With a 7-0 record and wins over top-tier opponents, they’re now in the conversation as a true title contender. Their schedule remains brutal, but this performance proves they can win under pressure—exactly what you need in March.
What’s the history between Duke and Arkansas?
The two teams have met six times, with Arkansas holding a 3-3 edge. Five of those games were on neutral courts, including three in the Sweet 16 or later, two in the Final Four, and the 1994 NCAA National Championship—where Arkansas won 76-72. This game marked their first meeting since that title game, making it one of the most storied rivalries in college basketball history that’s rarely played but always significant.
