The No. 22 Arkansas Razorbacks suffered an 80-71 defeat against the No. 4 Duke Blue Devils on November 23, 2023, at the United Center in Chicago. Despite entering the game with hopes of extending their historic winning record against Duke, the Razorbacks were outmatched by the Blue Devils’ physical play in the second half.
Arkansas struggled in the first half, facing a significant 41-28 deficit late in the period. The Razorbacks found their rhythm and closed the gap, but Duke’s resilience proved too strong. Key moments in the game highlighted Arkansas’ inability to match Duke’s intensity as the contest progressed.
The Razorbacks made a commendable effort to regain control, narrowing the score to just five points at various intervals. However, Duke’s defense consistently thwarted Arkansas’ attempts to gain momentum. The Blue Devils showcased their depth and athleticism, ultimately sealing the victory with strategic plays in the final minutes.
Duke’s standout performance came from star player Kyle Filipowski, who notched a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds. His contributions were pivotal, particularly in the crucial moments where the game hung in the balance. Additionally, Tyrese Proctor provided vital support with 18 points, showcasing the Blue Devils’ offensive capabilities.
Arkansas’ Ricky Council IV led the Razorbacks with 20 points, but it was not enough to overcome the physicality and execution displayed by Duke. The Razorbacks’ coach, Eric Musselman, expressed disappointment in the team’s performance, emphasizing the need for improvement in physicality and execution during high-pressure situations.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this experience. For Arkansas, the challenge will be to regroup and address the shortcomings exposed by Duke. Meanwhile, Duke aims to maintain its momentum as a top contender in college basketball.
The Razorbacks will face another test in their upcoming match, where they will seek to bounce back from this setback. On the other hand, the Blue Devils are poised to capitalize on their victory as they continue their pursuit of a successful season.
