CHICAGO — Arkansas made a strong push in the second half but could not sustain it as No. 4 Duke closed with a steady finish to claim an 80-71 win Thursday night at the United Center.
The matchup featured long stretches where both teams traded momentum, but Duke’s poise in the final minutes proved decisive.
Arkansas dropped to 5-2 after the loss. Duke moved to 8-0 behind Cameron Boozer’s 35 points and nine rebounds.
Boozer shot 13 of 18 from the field and was the driving force for the Blue Devils, especially late.
The Razorbacks were led by freshman Darius Acuff Jr., who scored 21 points. His ability to get into the paint helped Arkansas stay within reach whenever Duke tried to build a lead.
Meleek Thomas added 13 points, and Trevon Brazile delivered an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double.
Duke controlled most of the first half and entered halftime with a 41-35 lead. Boozer had already scored 15 by the break.
Arkansas, however, closed the half with a 7-0 run to trim the margin and regain some momentum.
The Hogs opened the second half with energy. Thomas capped a 10-3 run with a 3-pointer to give Arkansas a 60-53 lead with 10:09 left.
It was the first time the Razorbacks had firm control, and the run energized the Arkansas bench.
Duke answered by tightening its defense. The Blue Devils chipped away until Patrick Ngongba II scored inside to put Duke ahead 66-64 with 5:20 to play.
Arkansas struggled to connect on open looks as Duke settled in.
Caleb Foster then delivered one of the game’s biggest plays. His 3-pointer with 2:31 remaining stretched Duke’s lead and halted Arkansas’ momentum.
That basket marked the beginning of Duke’s final push.
Boozer closes strong as Hogs fade in final minutes
Boozer took over the rest of the way. He hit two 3-pointers, drove for a layup, and found Dame Sarr for a dunk in the closing minutes.
Each play came when Arkansas needed a stop, and each time Boozer responded.
The Razorbacks kept competing but could not match Duke’s shot-making down the stretch.
Arkansas’ offense, which had flowed well during the second-half surge, slowed when Duke applied more pressure.
By halftime, Duke had held a small advantage even after Arkansas ended the half on a strong run.
The Razorbacks hoped to carry that boost into the second frame, but Duke’s control of the boards made it hard for Arkansas to build long possessions.
The Hogs’ young backcourt showed maturity at times. Acuff Jr. continued to drive inside, and Thomas gave Arkansas needed scoring from the perimeter.
Their play helped erase a double-digit first-half deficit and briefly put Arkansas in front.
The turning point came between the eight- and five-minute marks. The Razorbacks held a two-point lead and had the ball but did not extend the margin.
Duke answered on the next several trips and swung the game back in its favor.
Brazile’s activity around the rim kept Arkansas within striking distance. His rebounding allowed the Razorbacks to get out in transition, but Duke slowed the pace late and forced Arkansas to score in the half court.
Duke leaned on experience and shot selection in the closing minutes. Boozer’s composure stood out as he continued to score efficiently.
The Blue Devils’ late-game execution made the difference after Arkansas had pushed ahead earlier in the half.
The Hogs now prepare for a major home opportunity next week. Arkansas returns to Bud Walton Arena on Wednesday to host No. 6 Louisville.
The game gives the Razorbacks a chance to respond quickly from Thursday’s loss.
Duke shifts back into conference preparation and will face No. 10 Florida on Tuesday.
The Blue Devils remain unbeaten and continue to rely on Boozer’s consistency.
Key takeaways
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Arkansas briefly led in the second half but could not hold off Duke’s closing run.
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Cameron Boozer’s 35 points and timely shooting powered Duke throughout the night.
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Freshmen Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas provided strong production for the Razorbacks.
