Duke Stuns Arkansas 80-71 in Thanksgiving Week Showdown, Overcomes 7-Point Deficit
On Thanksgiving night, Duke Blue Devils didn’t just win a game—they rewrote the script. Down by seven with 10 minutes left, the No. 4 ranked team from Durham, North Carolina, clawed back with grit, rebounding dominance, and poise under pressure to beat the No. 22 Arkansas Razorbacks 80-71 in front of a raucous crowd at Chicago’s United Center. The win, sealed at 12:57 AM UTC on November 27, 2025, wasn’t pretty—but it was powerful. And for Jon Scheyer, in his third season as head coach after replacing the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, it was proof his team can win ugly when it matters most.
How Duke Turned the Tide
Arkansas came out swinging. Seven straight points. Duke went over five minutes without a field goal. The Razorbacks looked sharp, confident, and in control. But then came the turning point: Nikolas Khamenia buried a turnaround jumper. Isaiah Evans answered with a corner three. The momentum shifted—not with a flash, but with a grind.
By the final 10 minutes, the score was tied. And that’s when Duke’s identity emerged. They outrebounded Arkansas 14-4 in those closing minutes. Fourteen. Four. That’s not luck. That’s hunger. That’s the kind of effort that wins close games in December, January, and March. And it was the difference. Duke turned those rebounds into 25 second-chance points—16 of them came in the first half alone, a number John Calipari didn’t hide from in his postgame presser.
Coaches’ Words, Real Emotions
Jon Scheyer, 37, didn’t just talk about toughness—he showed it. "That was a big-time experience for our team," he said, smiling through exhaustion. "You’re down seven in the second half... that’s when you learn how to win." He praised his players’ character, their defense, and the quiet leadership of senior Caleb Foster, who dished out eight assists despite not scoring in double figures. "He’s been through it all," Scheyer added. "His experience was invaluable."
Meanwhile, John Calipari, 66, didn’t make excuses—but he didn’t sugarcoat it either. "We had our chance to win this game," he said, voice heavy. "We just didn’t finish." He singled out his team’s rebounding failures: "We either fought or got pushed into the cheerleaders, but we didn’t try to grab enough balls." He referenced a late-game moment where his player, Billy, was right under the basket but got fouled on a contested board—while another rebound slipped away. "We’re still learning," he admitted.
Statistical Dominance, Human Error
The numbers tell the real story:
- 42-28 in points in the paint — Duke’s interior presence overwhelmed Arkansas’ perimeter-heavy attack
- 25-10 in second-chance points — a direct result of Duke’s relentless rebounding and Arkansas’ inability to box out
- 14 fastbreak points allowed — Arkansas entered the game ranked fourth nationally in fastbreak scoring at 25.3 per game
- 14-4 rebounding edge in the final 10 minutes — the decisive stretch that flipped the game
Even more telling? Duke’s top three guards—DJ Wagner, Pringle, and Knox—combined for just eight points. Meanwhile, role players like Patrick Ngongba II and Caleb Foster carried the load. That’s the mark of a team that’s learning to win together.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This wasn’t just another non-conference win. It was a statement. Duke, still finding its rhythm without Krzyzewski, is proving it can thrive under pressure. Arkansas, despite talent and hype, continues to struggle with consistency—especially in closing out games. Calipari’s team has the pieces. But they’re missing the mental toughness to finish.
And the timing? Perfect. This game was played on Thanksgiving week, when college basketball’s national spotlight turns to early-season showdowns. Duke didn’t just win—they showed they belong in the conversation for a deep NCAA tournament run. Scheyer’s team now has a signature win against a top-25 opponent on a neutral court. That’s the kind of resume-builder that matters in March.
What’s Next?
Duke heads into ACC play with momentum—and a new identity. They’re no longer just the team that inherited Krzyzewski’s legacy. They’re becoming their own. Next up: a home game against North Carolina on December 7. A rivalry game. A chance to prove this isn’t a fluke.
Arkansas? They’ve got work to do. The Razorbacks need to fix their rebounding habits before SEC play begins. Calipari’s squad has talent, but they’re still searching for that collective will to close. Their next test: a road game at Tennessee on December 4—a true road test.
Historical Context: A Rare Meeting
This was only the sixth meeting between Duke and Arkansas in men’s basketball history. The last came in 2018, a 79-73 Duke win in the NCAA Tournament’s second round. Both programs have changed dramatically since then—new coaches, new rosters, new expectations. But the stakes remain the same: win now, or risk falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Duke overcome a seven-point deficit in the final 10 minutes?
Duke outrebounded Arkansas 14-4 in the final 10 minutes, turning those boards into 15 second-chance points. Their defense forced Arkansas into tough, contested shots, and the Razorbacks went 2-for-10 from three in that stretch. Key contributions from Caleb Foster’s playmaking and Patrick Ngongba II’s hustle kept the offense flowing when scoring was tough.
Why was Arkansas’ fastbreak scoring so low despite being ranked fourth nationally?
Duke limited Arkansas to just 14 fastbreak points by slowing the tempo, contesting every outlet pass, and crashing the boards aggressively. Arkansas entered the game averaging 25.3 fastbreak points per contest, but Duke’s disciplined rotations and physicality disrupted their transition rhythm entirely.
What role did Caleb Foster play in Duke’s victory?
Senior guard Caleb Foster recorded eight assists and played 32 minutes with calm leadership. Though he scored only six points, his decision-making kept Duke’s offense flowing during scoring droughts. Coach Scheyer called him the "quiet engine" of the team—someone who makes the right pass, sets the right screen, and never panics under pressure.
Did DJ Wagner’s poor performance hurt Duke’s chances?
Not in the end. Wagner, the former #1 high school recruit, managed just three points on 1-for-8 shooting. But Duke’s depth carried them—five players scored in double figures, and the team’s ball movement (20 assists total) offset his struggles. It showed they’re no longer reliant on one star.
What did John Calipari say about his team’s rebounding?
Calipari admitted Arkansas failed to box out consistently, calling their effort "pushed into the cheerleaders" rather than fighting for position. He specifically cited missed rebounds in the final minutes, including one where a player was fouled but another was left unguarded. "We didn’t grab enough balls," he said. "That’s on us."
Is this win a sign Duke is back as a national title contender?
It’s a strong signal. Duke beat a top-25 team on a neutral floor, overcoming adversity and defensive pressure. Their depth, rebounding, and poise under pressure mirror past championship teams. But they still need to prove they can do it in the ACC and against elite defenses in March. This win? It’s the first brick in the foundation.
