The Duke Blue Devils are headed back to the Final Four in 2025 after their dominant 86-65 victory over Alabama in the East Region Elite Eight. The Blue Devils controlled this game from the opening tip, using their size and defensive intensity to their advantage to stifle the Crimson Tide’s offense. Despite Cooper Flagg having an off-night shooting the basketball, Duke’s depth proved too much for Alabama to handle.
Alabama, a team known for its explosive offense, was never able to get going in this game. Duke’s relentless effort on defense made the Crimson Tide have to work for every little thing they got on offense. Alabama’s star Guard Mark Sears was held to just six points after a historic shooting performance in the Sweet 16. With this win, Duke advances and awaits the winner of Houston vs. Tennessee to face in the Final Four.
Duke Takes Early Control
Duke wasted no time establishing control over this game, jumping out to a 10-point lead within the first five minutes. Kon Knueppel and Tyrese Proctor sparked the early surge for the Blue Devils as they continuously found open looks against Alabama’s defense. The Blue Devils’ size and length disrupted Alabama’s offensive flow, forcing difficult shots and limiting transition opportunities.
Alabama attempted to push the pace but struggled to generate consistent scoring. Sears, who had torched BYU for 10 three-pointers in the previous round, found himself smothered by Duke’s defenders all game. His first basket didn’t come until nearly 18 minutes into the game, a mid-range jumper that Alabama rarely relies on.
Despite the slow start, the Crimson Tide kept themselves within striking distance. Labaron Philon provided a much-needed scoring lift, helping Alabama cut Duke’s lead to single digits late in the first half. However, the Blue Devils responded with another surge, closing the half strong to take a 44-32 advantage into the break.
Alabama Fights Back, Duke Holds Firm
Coming out of halftime, Alabama looked to do whatever it could to retake control of this game by ramping up its defensive pressure. Grant Nelson and Chris Youngblood focused on attacking the basket, trying to break through Duke’s interior defense. A quick scoring burst brought Alabama within seven points, but the Blue Devils never wavered.
Duke quickly countered with steady execution, moving the ball well and finding high-percentage shots. Although Flagg didn’t have his best game, Proctor was able to put together an efficient performance, knocking down key jumpers while Khaman Maluach dominated the paint. With Flagg’s struggle from the field, he focused his efforts on rebounding and shot-blocking.
As Alabama attempted one final push, Duke’s defense tightened once more. The Blue Devils rotated seamlessly on the perimeter, preventing open three-point looks. Alabama shot just 25% from beyond the arc, its fourth-worst performance of the season. With the Crimson Tide unable to find any true offensive rhythm, Duke was able to fend off their attempt at a comeback and retain full control heading into the final minutes.
Duke Closes the Door
With under eight minutes to play in the second half, Duke put the game out of reach with a decisive 13-0 run. Knueppel, who led the way in scoring in this game, finished with 21 points and knocked down a pair of jumpers to extend the lead. Maluach followed with a powerful dunk, further deflating Alabama’s spirits.
Sears, Alabama’s most dangerous scorer, struggled the entire game against Duke’s defensive game plan. He finished with just two field goals on 12 attempts, unable to replicate his previous shooting success. Without Sears leading the way, Alabama’s offense lacked the usual firepower that was going to be needed to keep up with Duke.
By the final buzzer, the Blue Devils had outshot Alabama 53.6% to 35.4%, continuing to showcase its efficiency on both ends in the tournament. Proctor added 17 points, while Flagg and Maluach combined for 30 points and 18 rebounds. The Blue Devils’ depth and defensive discipline proved to be the difference as they punched their ticket to San Antonio.
Final Thoughts
Duke’s performance demonstrated why it was the top seed in the East Region. Even with Flagg having an off-shooting night, the Blue Devils roster stepped up in key moments. Their ability to neutralize Alabama’s three-point shooting and control the tempo made the difference in a game that many expected to be a shootout.
For Alabama, the loss marks the end of an impressive season, but it will be remembered for its record-setting offensive performances. Sears’ struggle in their biggest game to this point of the season was certainly unexpected, but credit goes to Duke’s defensive game plan. As the Blue Devils move on to the Final Four, they now await either Houston or Tennessee in their hunt for another National Championship.
