Duke defeats Alabama to secure 18th Final Four appearance

On March 29, 2025, in Newark, New Jersey, the Duke Blue Devils faced off against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the East Region final of the NCAA Tournament. Duke, the No. 1 seed, came into the game with a 34-3 record and exhibited a strong performance throughout the tournament. Alabama, the No. 7 seed, presented a formidable challenge as they typically led the nation in scoring. However, Duke's well-disciplined defensive strategy effectively stifled Alabama's top players, contributing to a decisive victory. The Blue Devils managed to limit Alabama’s dynamic offense, which had set a record in the Sweet 16 days prior by making 25 three-pointers. This performance underlined Duke's balance; they not only executed on offense with Cooper Flagg scoring 16 points, but they also dominated on defense, forcing Alabama to settle for low-percentage shots. Duke Coach Jon Scheyer praised his team's defensive tenacity, noting the effectiveness of their strategy in keeping Alabama's star guard Mark Sears at bay. Sears had just come off a record-setting game but was held to only six points in this matchup, demonstrating the Blue Devils’ commitment to limiting opponent scoring. The balance of the game shifted significantly as Alabama struggled to find their rhythm; thus, their traditional three-point shooting was mitigated, resulting in only eight successful attempts from 32 tries. The Blue Devils displayed remarkable use of length and athleticism to contest shots, exemplified by Khaman Maluach's notable contributions both offensively and defensively. With this victory, Duke secured its 18th Final Four appearance in program history, setting the stage for their upcoming game against the winner of the Houston vs. Tennessee matchup. The Blue Devils have dominated throughout the tournament, now winning their 15th straight game, making them a formidable contender as they aim for the national title. Coach Scheyer, in his first few seasons at the helm after succeeding the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, has positioned Duke back among college basketball's elite. The overall landscape of college basketball in this tournament featured several top seeds navigating through a competitive structure, with Duke emerging as a key player poised for championship contention. This game also highlighted the narrative surrounding the rise of Alabama, which after reaching its first-ever Final Four last season, faced disappointment in replicating that success. Coach Nate Oats had rebuilt Alabama into a national contender, but this loss serves as a crucial juncture for the program. As they move forward, the Crimson Tide will look to recalibrate their approach and ensure continued competitiveness in NCAA tournaments. Duke's victory over Alabama not only advances them in the tournament but also reinforces their reputation as a top-tier program capable of excelling under pressure, elevating expectations for the Final Four ahead.