Cameron Boozer Drops 35 as No. 4 Duke Defeats No. 22 Arkansas 80-71
UPDATE: In a thrilling college basketball showdown, Cameron Boozer exploded for 35 points and 9 rebounds as No. 4 Duke overcame No. 22 Arkansas with an 80-71 victory at the United Center on November 30, 2023. This game marked a pivotal moment for Duke, now boasting an impressive record of 8-0.
Boozer, who shot an incredible 13-for-18 from the field, showcased his skills in front of a home crowd, where his father, Carlos Boozer, once played for the Chicago Bulls. The emotional atmosphere was heightened as Carlos cheered for his twin sons, including fellow freshman Cayden Boozer, from a courtside seat.
The game started with Duke establishing a strong lead, but Arkansas made a notable comeback. After trailing by 13 points in the first half, the Razorbacks surged ahead with a 10-3 run, taking a 60-53 lead with 10:09 remaining. Freshman Meleek Thomas capped the run with a crucial three-pointer.
However, Duke’s determination shone through in the final minutes. A pivotal basket from Patrick Ngongba II gave Duke a 66-64 lead with just 5:20 left on the clock. Caleb Foster hit a vital three-pointer with 2:31 to go, helping secure the win for the Blue Devils.
Duke’s strong performance included contributions from Foster, who tallied 15 points and 8 assists, and Ngongba, who added 11 points. Arkansas’s Darius Acuff Jr. led his team with 21 points, while Thomas finished with 13 points and Trevon Brazile recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The game was a rollercoaster, with Duke leading 41-35 at halftime after the Razorbacks had a late surge. Cameron Boozer’s performance was instrumental in maintaining Duke’s momentum, particularly during a critical 10-0 run that extended their lead.
Looking ahead, Arkansas is set to host No. 6 Louisville on December 6, while Duke will face No. 10 Florida on December 5. Fans are eager to see if Duke can continue their unbeaten streak and if Arkansas can bounce back from this tough loss.
Stay tuned for more updates as the college basketball season unfolds.
