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No. 5 Duke Faces No. 24 Kansas in Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden

Darryn Peterson’s hamstring uncertainty shapes expectations around a Duke edge.

Overview

  • The game tips at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN from Madison Square Garden as the Champions Classic nightcap.
  • Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson has missed two games with right‑hamstring tightness, with Bill Self saying he will not return until fully ready.
  • Duke is 4-0 behind freshman Cameron Boozer, who averages 22.5 points and 10.3 rebounds after a 35-point, 12-rebound performance.
  • Kansas enters 3-1 at No. 23/24, highlighted by Flory Bidunga’s 25-point, 10-rebound showing, with analysts warning of spacing and half-court scoring issues if Peterson sits.
  • Predictions from multiple outlets lean toward Duke, and the doubleheader opens with No. 12 Kentucky vs. No. 17 Michigan State.