A battle of college basketball powerhouses is set as No. 1 seed Duke faces No. 2 seed Alabama in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. The matchup will take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey with tipoff scheduled for 8:49 PM EST on TBS. A trip to the Final Four is on the line.
Duke managed to outlast Arizona in the Sweet 16, pushing past the Wildcats in a 100-93 contest. As for Alabama, the Crimson Tide dominated BYU with a record-breaking 25 made three-pointers to win 113-88. This game between Alabama and Duke is set to showcase the two most explosive offenses in the country, led by star players Cooper Flagg and Mark Sears.
Game/Team Matchup Info
Duke and Alabama have proven their offensive firepower throughout the season but have been on another level during March Madness. Starting with the Blue Devils they enter this game averaging over 85 points per game while shooting an efficient 49% from the field. Their offensive attack is led by freshman sensation Flagg, who posted 30 points in Duke’s Sweet 16 win over Arizona.
Alabama, on the other hand, relies heavily on three-point shooting. The Crimson Tide will enter this game leading the nation in three-pointers attempted per game. If their performance against BYU was any indication this style of play will only continue into this game as well. Their ability to stretch the floor will be crucial against Duke’s disciplined defense, which ranks sixth nationally in scoring defense.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook Duke is currently favored at -6.5, with the total points set at 174.5. However, Alabama’s ability to dictate tempo and hit outside shots will likely be key to covering the spread and coming out with the win. Meanwhile, Duke’s size and defensive intensity could prove to be the difference in a game that is expected to be a shootout.
Alabama’s Keys to Victory
Alabama’s offensive philosophy has not changed since the tournament began. The Alabama Crimson Tide is a team built around perimeter shooting. Their best showcase of this fact was their most recent performance against BYU, but this has been their approach since the first round. The Crimson Tide attempts nearly half of their shots from deep, making them one of the most dangerous teams when they get hot.
Sears who has been the catalyst for Alabama’s offense, hit 10 threes in the Sweet 16 while scoring 34 points. His ability to stretch the defense will be a major factor against a Duke team ranking in the top 25 in three-point defense. The Tide’s supporting cast, including Aaron Estrada and Rylan Griffen, must step up to keep the pressure on Duke.
If Alabama can continue their red-hot shooting, they could force Duke into a faster tempo than they usually prefer. However, their reliance on the three-ball can be a double-edged sword—if shots aren’t falling, they will likely struggle to keep pace with the Blue Devils’ offensive attack.
Duke’s Keys to Victory
While Alabama thrives on perimeter shooting, Duke’s offensive approach is much more balanced. Their offense consists of both a strong inside and outside game. Flagg has proven to be the difference-maker, showing his ability to take over games with his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking.
The Blue Devils also have a deep supporting cast, with Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster providing consistent production in the backcourt. The Blue Devils shot an impressive 60% from the field against Arizona, demonstrating their ability to maintain efficiency on offense. If they can control the pace and force Alabama into contested jumpers, they’ll have a strong chance of advancing.
Defensively, Duke’s ability to guard the perimeter will be tested. Their disciplined approach and length have been effective all season, but they must close out aggressively on Alabama’s shooters. If they can limit the Crimson Tide’s three-point attempts, they can take control of the game early.
Player to Watch for Alabama: Mark Sears
Sears has been and will need to continue to be the heart of Alabama’s offense. He is coming off a career-best performance against BYU, and with the senior guard’s deep shooting range and quick release, he is the Crimson Tide’s most dangerous player.
However, this will be his toughest challenge yet, facing off against Duke’s perimeter defenders. Yet, if he can replicate his shooting efficiency and create scoring opportunities for his teammates, Alabama’s chances of winning increase significantly.
Player to Watch for Duke: Cooper Flagg
Flagg has lived up to the hype as one of the best players in the country. The freshman phenom led his team to a hard-fought victory with 30 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in Duke’s Sweet 16 win.
His versatility makes him a nightmare matchup for Alabama, as he can score inside, hit from deep, and facilitate offense. If Flagg dominates both ends of the court, Duke will be tough to beat.
Final Thoughts
This Elite Eight showdown between Alabama and Duke features two high-powered offenses with two very different styles of play. Alabama’s focus is on pushing the tempo of offense and relying on their three-point shooting. Duke is more focused on controlling the pace of the game so they can have a more balanced approach on both sides of the ball.
While Alabama’s shooting makes them a dangerous opponent for any team. Duke has the depth, size, and defensive intensity advantage in this matchup, which gives them the edge at least on paper. However, if Flagg can put together another dominant performance, the Blue Devils could be headed back to the Final Four for the first time since 2022. If Alabama hopes to stop this from happening, their key will lie in their ability to catch fire from beyond the arc, giving them the highest chance to pull off the victory.
