Late Surge Pushes Duke Past Kansas

NEW YORK – No. 5 Duke used an 11-2 scoring run across the final five minutes to defeat No. 24 Kansas 78-66, inside Madison Square Garden in the State Farm Champions Classic on Tuesday night. The Blue Devils (5-0) were led by Cameron Boozer who posted his second consecutive double-double, while leading the team in points (18), rebounds (10) and assists (five).

Duke had two others score in double figures, with Isaiah Evans contributing 16 points and Patrick Ngongba II adding 13. Across the final 4:59 of the game, Duke did not allow a made field goal, helping the Blue Devils to pull away for the top-25 victory.

Duke closed the first half on an extended 17-5 run, limiting Kansas to a shooting stretch of 2-of-13 spanning the final 8:24 of the opening frame.

Isaiah Evans scored 11 points in the first half and finished with 16 total points.

Patrick Ngongba II reached double figures for the fourth time in five games this season, scoring 13 points on a perfect 4-of-4 from the field.

Cayden Boozer used a personal seven-point run in the second half to help Duke maintain control of its second-half lead.

Duke remained in front, 67-64, with five minutes to play but Duke moved back in front, 72-64, after Evans drilled a contested shot from deep at the end of the shot clock with 3:49 remaining.

The Blue Devils’ defensive effort held Kansas without a made shot over the final five minutes, as Duke closed out the 78-66 victory.

No. 5 Duke returns home for its two-game Brotherhood Run, hosting Niagara on Friday, Nov. 21 and Howard on Sunday, Nov. 23.