The No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils punched their ticket to the program’s 18th Final Four with a commanding 85-65 win over No. 2 seed Alabama in the NCAA Tournament’s East Region final on Saturday night. In a game that showcased Duke’s overwhelming length, defensive intensity, and NBA-ready talent, the Blue Devils shut down the Crimson Tide’s high-powered offense, delivering their 15th consecutive victory and keeping alive the possibility of all four No. 1 seeds making the Final Four for only the second time in tournament history.
Alabama, which entered the game leading the nation in scoring and coming off a record-setting performance from beyond the arc in the Sweet 16, was completely stifled by Duke’s suffocating defense. The Crimson Tide managed only 65 points, marking just the second time all season they failed to reach 70. Their 35.4% shooting from the field was their worst of the year, while their 25% performance from three-point range (8-for-32) tied for their fourth-worst outing of the season.
Fifth-year senior Mark Sears, who drilled 10 three-pointers in Alabama’s previous game, was effectively neutralized. Duke’s defensive game plan, which featured constant switching and relentless pressure, held Sears to a season-low six points on 2-of-12 shooting, including just 1-of-5 from beyond the arc. His first basket did not come until nearly 18 minutes into the game, illustrating just how well Duke executed its defensive strategy.
Despite star freshman Cooper Flagg struggling with his shot (6-of-16 from the field), the Blue Devils had no trouble on offense. Projected lottery pick Kon Knueppel led the way with 21 points, while Tyrese Proctor added 17—celebrating the win with the freshly cut net draped around his neck in the postgame press conference.
Flagg, though inefficient offensively, still contributed significantly with 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and a highlight-reel block that sent an Alabama floater flying over press row. Even with Flagg’s off night, Duke shot a blistering 53.6% from the field, thanks in part to Khaman Maluach’s efficient 6-of-7 shooting performance. The 7-footer, with his 9-foot-8 standing reach, finished with 14 points and two blocks while altering several more shots.
With the victory, Duke (35-3) advances to the Final Four for the first time under head coach Jon Scheyer, who is following in the footsteps of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. The Blue Devils now await the winner of Sunday’s Midwest Region final between No. 1 Houston and No. 2 Tennessee.
Duke’s win denied the possibility of an all-SEC Final Four showdown, but with No. 1 Florida advancing earlier, the dream of all four No. 1 seeds making it to the Final Four remains alive. The only other time all top seeds reached the Final Four was in 2008, coincidentally in the same host city—San Antonio.
Duke’s dominant performance reinforced its status as a championship contender, boasting up to six NBA prospects and a defense capable of shutting down even the most prolific offenses. As the Blue Devils head to San Antonio, they’ll look to continue their march toward another national championship, with a roster built to shine on college basketball’s biggest stage.
