Cameron Boozer scores 35 points in No. 4 Duke's exciting Thanksgiving victory against No. 22 Arkansas

Chicago, Thanksgiving Night: Freshman sensation Cameron Boozer delivered a standout performance, scoring 35 points to guide Duke to an 80-71 victory over Arkansas at the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic.

Boozer also contributed nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals, demonstrating a complete skill set that underscores his potential as a top NBA Draft pick.

Coming into the game, Boozer had already been impressive, averaging 21.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per contest. This matchup, however, represented a significant challenge for the No. 4 Blue Devils, facing a John Calipari-coached Arkansas squad that included lottery prospect Darius Acuff Jr.

Boozer dominated from all areas of the court, connecting on 13 of 18 field goals, including 2 of 4 from beyond the arc. He made key contributions on both offense and defense. In one notable sequence late in the first half, he scored or assisted on seven consecutive Duke points while adding a steal and a rebound during the stretch.

Remarkably, Boozer did not score until nearly 10 minutes into the game. "Coaches talked to me on the sideline, told me to keep going, keep attacking, and I came out with some force and started rolling from there," he shared after the contest.

With this victory, Duke improved to 7-0, marking the start of a stretch of three consecutive games against ranked opponents. Next, the Blue Devils will host No. 10 Florida (4-2) and then travel to face No. 11 Michigan State (7-0) on December 6.

Analysis: Cameron Boozer’s Breakout Performance Signals Duke’s Strength

Cameron Boozer’s 35-point showing against Arkansas was more than just a scoring display—it was a statement. The freshman not only dominated offensively but also contributed nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals, highlighting his all-around capabilities. His efficiency, making 13 of 18 shots, demonstrates a level of maturity uncommon for a first-year player.

Despite a slow start, Boozer responded to coaching guidance and turned the game around, scoring in key moments and orchestrating sequences that swung momentum firmly in Duke’s favor. His performance against a John Calipari-coached Arkansas squad featuring lottery prospect Darius Acuff Jr. underscores his readiness to compete at the highest collegiate level.

This victory improves Duke to 7-0 and sets the tone for a challenging upcoming stretch against ranked opponents, including Florida and Michigan State. Boozer’s emergence provides Duke with a reliable offensive anchor and enhances their prospects as one of the nation’s top teams this season.

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• Cameron Boozer feasts for 35 points in No. 4 Duke's thrilling Thanksgiving win over No. 22 Arkansas