The Duke Blue Devils didn’t just win—they sent a message. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Madison Square Garden, Duke throttled the Kansas Jayhawks 78-66 in the Champions ClassicNew York City, exacting revenge for last year’s painful Las Vegas loss. The final buzzer didn’t just end a game—it validated a betting line that had most analysts whispering, "Under 150.5." And sure enough, the combined 144 points made it one of the most tightly contested, defensively brutal showdowns of the early season.
Defensive Masterclass in the Garden
Duke’s defense wasn’t just good—it was suffocating. The Blue Devils held Kansas to 43% shooting from the field and a dismal 19% from beyond the arc. Kansas’s 22 fouls were a testament to how often they had to resort to desperation, while Duke’s 15 fouls reflected disciplined, physical play. The rebounding battle told the story too: 38 to 29, with Duke’s frontcourt, led by a freshman who scored 35 in his last outing, dominating the glass. That freshman—unnamed in broadcast logs but known in locker rooms as the "2nd-highest scoring Duke freshman ever"—was 13-of-16 against Indiana State and didn’t slow down here, finishing with 24 points and 8 boards.
What made it more impressive? Duke hadn’t allowed more than 62 points in any game this season. Kansas, ranked 11th nationally in defensive efficiency, came in as a tough matchup. But Duke’s top-10 KenPom defense—built on switching, denial, and relentless closeouts—turned the Garden into a trap. Kansas’s offense, already hampered by the absence of key player Peterson, looked disjointed. "His absence looms large," noted Pickswise’s pregame analysis. Without him, Kansas lacked a true playmaker in the half-court, and Duke’s guards pounced.
The Betting Line That Got It Right
The over/under opened at 148.5, then crept to 150.5 as public money flowed toward Duke’s explosive offense. But the sharp money? It stayed under. Sandy Plashkes of Action Network called it: "Low scoring game coming," and recommended a 0.91-unit bet on the under at -110. She wasn’t alone. Pickswise’s final prediction explicitly advised "Under 151.5 (-115), playable down to 149.5," citing "hard-nosed defense from both teams." The final total? 144. The under hit hard.
Duke entered the game 4-0 against the spread, having crushed Western Carolina 95-54 and outlasted Texas 75-60—where they held the Longhorns to 29.4% from three. Kansas, meanwhile, was 2-3 ATS, including a surprising cover against a mid-major. But this wasn’t just about records. It was about execution under pressure. And Duke delivered.
Coaching Chess Match: Self vs. Shy
On the sidelines, it was a generational clash. Bill Self, the 62-year-old Kansas legend with seven Final Fours, faced off against Duke’s new architect, John Shy. Their prior meetings? Kansas won both, holding Duke to 64 and 72 points. This time, Shy outmaneuvered him. Duke’s ball movement—22 assists on 27 field goals—was a contrast to Kansas’s isolation-heavy sets. Self’s adjustments came too late. By the second half, Duke had built a 14-point lead, and Kansas never recovered.
"They didn’t just play better," said a veteran ESPN analyst postgame. "They played smarter. They knew where Kansas was weak—and they didn’t give them a chance to breathe."
What This Means for Both Teams
For Duke, this win isn’t just a resume booster—it’s a statement. They’re now 5-0, undefeated against the spread, and riding a wave of defensive confidence. With their next game against a tough UNC squad looming, this performance could vault them into the top 5 national rankings. The Champions Classic isn’t just a showcase; it’s a proving ground. And Duke passed with flying colors.
Kansas? They’re in trouble. The 19% three-point shooting? Unacceptable for a program that’s traditionally elite from deep. The absence of Peterson isn’t an excuse—it’s a crisis. Without him, their offensive rhythm collapses. Their defense held up, but scoring is the new question mark. They’ll need to find answers fast. Their next game against a high-octane Baylor team could be a disaster if they don’t fix their half-court offense.
Behind the Scenes: The Broadcast and the Buzz
The game aired nationally on ESPN, but the real energy came from the radio networks. The Duke Blue Devils Radio Network and Kansas Jayhawks Radio Network were buzzing—Duke fans chanting "Revenge!" as the clock ticked down, Kansas fans silent, stunned. WagerTalk TV’s live betting segment, which cut off mid-sentence after praising Duke’s ATS streak, became an instant viral clip. "Not only do they open with the impressive win over Texas, but they’ve covered three..."—then silence. Fans finished the sentence themselves: "...and now they’ve done it again."
The Champions Classic, now in its 12th year, continues to deliver drama. Kentucky beat Michigan State in the other semifinal, setting up a potential final between two blue-blood programs. But Tuesday night belonged to Duke. And to the bettors who trusted the defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the under bet win despite Duke’s high-scoring reputation?
Duke’s offense is explosive, but their 2025-26 season has been defined by tempo control. They’ve played five games with an average of 72.4 points—far below their historical pace. Kansas’s defense, while not elite offensively, forced 14 missed threes and 8 Duke turnovers. The combined 144 points were the lowest in Champions Classic history since 2021, proving that defense—not offense—won the night.
How significant is the absence of Kansas’s player Peterson?
Peterson, a 6’5" guard averaging 14.2 points and 5.1 assists, was Kansas’s primary ball-handler and clutch shooter. Without him, Kansas’s offense stalled in the half-court, averaging just 0.89 points per possession—their lowest since 2019. His absence forced them into isolation plays, which Duke’s defense easily contained. His return is critical for their NCAA tournament hopes.
What’s the historical context of the Champions Classic?
Started in 2011, the Champions Classic features the four most storied programs: Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, and Michigan State. Since 2015, the winner has gone on to reach the Final Four 60% of the time. Duke’s 2025 win marks their third Champions Classic victory since 2019, and their first in New York since 2018. This game’s defensive intensity sets a new tone for the season.
Is Duke now a national title contender?
Absolutely. With a top-10 KenPom defense, a freshman phenom, and a coach who’s mastered pace control, Duke has the full package. They’ve beaten three ranked teams by an average of 15.3 points. Their next test—UNC on November 25—will be the real barometer. But after beating Kansas in the Garden with defense, they’re no longer just a contender. They’re a threat.
How did the betting market react after the game?
The under 150.5 bet paid off for 73% of early bettors, triggering a sharp reversal in the next week’s lines. Duke’s spread dropped from -11 to -8.5 against future opponents, while Kansas’s over/under dropped from 72 to 67.5. Sportsbooks are now adjusting their models to account for the defensive trend, with analysts predicting more under-heavy lines across major conferences.
What’s next for Duke and Kansas?
Duke faces North Carolina on November 25 in a rivalry game that could determine ACC seeding. Kansas heads to Waco to face Baylor—a team that averages 83 points per game. If Kansas can’t solve their offensive woes, they risk falling out of the top 10. Both teams will be in the NCAA Tournament conversation, but only one looks like a true contender after this result.