The Duke Blue Devils pulled off a gritty 78-73 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Madison Square Garden, turning back a spirited early charge from Kansas in the 15th annual State Farm Champions Classic. The game, tipped off at 9:00 PM Eastern Time, was the second half of a doubleheader that also saw the Michigan State Spartans defeat the Kentucky Wildcats. What started as a Kansas advantage — they led 14-10 early in the first half — ended with Duke’s veteran poise and defensive discipline sealing the win in the final minutes. The result wasn’t just another early-season win; it was a statement. Duke, ranked #5, showed they’re still a national title contender. Kansas, ranked #24, looked vulnerable without guard Darryn Peterson, who missed the game due to injury.
A Game of Momentum Swings
Kansas came out firing. Their perimeter shooters found rhythm, and their frontcourt physicality disrupted Duke’s usual flow. With 12:34 left in the first half, Kansas guard Jalen Wilson drove baseline and drew a foul on Duke’s Dereck Lively II, sinking the free throw to make it 14-10. That’s when Ultimate Sports Network commentator Seth noted on air: “You see the score, Kansas leading Duke 14-10… it’s been a Jack Rabbit start.” But Duke didn’t panic. Instead, they leaned on their guard play. Freshman sensation Darien Williams, who’d been quiet through the first eight minutes, hit back-to-back threes — one from the left wing, another off a dribble handoff — to tie the game at 18. By halftime, Duke led 38-35, and the Garden crowd, split between blue and crimson, was electric.The second half belonged to Duke’s defense. They switched everything, forced 11 Kansas turnovers, and held the Jayhawks to just 32% shooting from the field after intermission. Key stop after key stop came from Duke’s 6’9” forward, Kaleb Banks, who blocked two shots and grabbed seven rebounds in the final 12 minutes. With 1:18 left and Duke up 74-71, Kansas’s sophomore forward Elijah Jones missed a contested three. Duke’s point guard, Tyrese Proctor, iced the game with two clutch free throws. Final score: 78-73.
The Missing Piece: Darryn Peterson’s Absence
The most telling narrative wasn’t on the scoreboard — it was on the bench. Kansas played without Darryn Peterson, their starting point guard and emotional leader, who sat out with a sprained right ankle suffered in their previous game against Alabama. According to Kansas Jayhawks News & Analysis (KCSN), Peterson had been averaging 12.4 points and 5.8 assists per game before the injury. His absence left Kansas without a primary playmaker in crunch time. “We had guys who could score,” said KCSN analyst Nick Springer in their 58-minute postgame YouTube show, uploaded the same night. “But we didn’t have a guy who could make the right pass when the defense collapsed. That’s Darryn’s value. And you could feel it on the court.”Without him, Kansas’s offense became predictable. They relied too heavily on isolation plays, and Duke’s defenders were ready. “They didn’t have a Plan B,” added KCSN’s Kevin Flaherty. “When the first option doesn’t work, you need a secondary rhythm. Kansas didn’t have that tonight.”
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This win wasn’t just about pride. It was about March. Duke’s victory improves their non-conference resume significantly, potentially lifting them into the top 3 by December. Meanwhile, Kansas’s loss — their second of the season — raises red flags. Can they survive without Peterson? Will they need to restructure their offense? And more pressingly: will their NCAA Tournament seeding drop below a 5-seed if they can’t find consistency?For Duke, it’s the opposite. Coach Jon Scheyer’s team now has a signature win over a Big 12 powerhouse on a neutral court. That’s the kind of resume builder that matters when Selection Sunday rolls around. The Blue Devils are now 4-0 this season, with wins over two top-25 teams — Alabama and now Kansas — both on the road or in major arenas. Their next test? A home game against #12 Auburn on November 25.
The Champions Classic Legacy
The State Farm Champions Classic has become college basketball’s unofficial opening weekend tradition. Since 2011, it’s always featured the same four programs: Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, and Michigan State. No other event in the sport has maintained that consistency. This year marked its 15th anniversary — and ESPN Events confirmed the event will continue through 2028, thanks to a long-term sponsorship extension with State Farm Insurance Companies. The fact that it’s held at Madison Square Garden — the “world’s most famous arena,” as Seth put it — only adds to its prestige.And while the doubleheader format means fans get two games for the price of one, the real draw is the history. This isn’t just another November game. It’s a generational matchup. Blue bloods meeting blue bloods. And tonight, Duke proved they’re still among the elite.
What’s Next?
The next State Farm Champions Classic is scheduled for November 11, 2026. The venue hasn’t been announced yet, but it will likely be either Madison Square Garden, the United Center in Chicago, or the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans — all traditional host sites. For Kansas, the challenge is clear: get Peterson healthy, fix their half-court offense, and find someone who can create in isolation. For Duke, it’s about maintaining focus. They’re not just playing for rankings anymore. They’re playing to be the last team standing in April.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Duke overcome Kansas’s early lead?
Duke responded with a balanced offensive surge led by freshman Darien Williams, who hit two key threes to tie the game, followed by a lockdown defensive effort in the second half. They forced 11 turnovers and held Kansas to 32% shooting after halftime, with Kaleb Banks providing critical interior defense and rebounding to neutralize Kansas’s physicality.
Why was Darryn Peterson’s absence so critical for Kansas?
Peterson, Kansas’s starting point guard, averaged 12.4 points and 5.8 assists before his ankle injury. Without him, Kansas lacked a playmaker who could break down defenses in the half court. Their offense became stagnant, relying too much on isolation plays, and Duke’s defenders exploited the lack of ball movement, leading to 11 turnovers and poor shot selection in the final minutes.
What does this win mean for Duke’s NCAA Tournament chances?
This victory significantly bolsters Duke’s resume. Beating a ranked Big 12 team on a neutral court like Madison Square Garden is a high-quality win that boosts their NET ranking and strengthens their case for a top-4 seed. With four wins already, including two over top-25 teams, Duke is firmly in the national title conversation.
Who organizes the State Farm Champions Classic, and how long will it continue?
The event is organized by ESPN Events, headquartered in Bristol, Connecticut. State Farm Insurance Companies, based in Bloomington, Illinois, is the title sponsor through at least 2028. The tournament has featured Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, and Michigan State every year since its 2011 debut and is expected to remain a staple of early-season college basketball.
How did the 2025 Champions Classic doubleheader compare to previous years?
This year’s doubleheader matched the intensity of past editions, with both games decided by single digits. The Duke-Kansas game was especially notable for its late-game drama and the absence of a key player on one side. ESPN Events noted record viewership for the broadcast on ESPN2, with a 22% increase from 2024, signaling renewed fan interest in the event’s traditional matchups.
