Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Duke Dominates Alabama to Secure Final Four Berth
In a commanding display of basketball prowess, Duke’s towering lineup overwhelmed Alabama, overshadowing a challenging shooting night for Cooper Flagg and propelling the Blue Devils to their 18th Final Four appearance. Duke clinched an 85-65 victory over Alabama in the NCAA Tournament’s East Region final on Saturday evening, showcasing their dominance on the court.
Blue Devils’ Size and Defense Prove Decisive
While Flagg experienced an off-night shooting, converting only 6 of 16 attempts, he still contributed 16 points. Kon Knueppel emerged as the game’s leading scorer with 21 points for the Blue Devils. However, the pivotal statistic of the contest highlighted Duke’s defensive strength: Alabama’s top-ranked offense, fresh off a record-setting three-point shooting performance in the Sweet 16, struggled mightily and failed to surpass 70 points for only the second time this season.
Alabama’s Offensive Woes
The Crimson Tide’s shooting struggles were evident throughout the game. They managed to convert only 35.4% of their field goals, marking their poorest shooting performance of the entire season. From beyond the arc, Alabama fared no better, hitting just 25% (8 of 32) of their three-point attempts, tying their fourth-lowest mark of the 2024-25 season.
Sears Silenced by Duke’s Defense
Mark Sears, who had previously achieved near-record territory with ten three-pointers just two nights prior, was effectively contained by the Blue Devils’ stifling defense. Sears managed only one three-pointer and a mere six points against Duke (35-3), who extended their winning streak to 15 games. Duke’s defensive strategy focused on neutralizing Sears, effectively limiting his space and disrupting Alabama’s offensive rhythm.
Duke Advances to San Antonio
Top-seeded Duke advances to the Final Four in San Antonio, where they are set to face the winner of the Sunday matchup between Houston and Tennessee. Their victory dashed hopes of an all-Southeastern Conference Final Four. However, with No. 1 seed Florida also advancing, the possibility remains for all four top seeds to compete on college basketball’s grandest stage for only the second time in history.
Maluach and Proctor Contribute to Duke’s Success
Khaman Maluach delivered a strong performance, scoring 14 points on an efficient 6-of-7 shooting. Duke collectively shot 53.6% from the field, underscoring their offensive depth even with Flagg’s shooting struggles. Tyrese Proctor also contributed significantly on offense with 17 points.
Defensive Masterclass by Duke
While Flagg’s offensive output was not his usual high standard, his all-around game remained impactful. He grabbed nine rebounds, dished out three assists, and delivered a memorable block. In a contest where both teams prioritized shutting down the opposition’s primary offensive threats, Duke executed their defensive game plan more effectively. They successfully switched defenders on Sears, constricted the perimeter, and denied him any open looks.
Sears’ Struggles Highlighted Duke’s Defensive Plan
Sears’ first basket of the game didn’t come until nearly 18 minutes into the contest, a 16-foot midrange shot—precisely the type of shot that Alabama, known for its emphasis on dunks and three-pointers, typically avoids. His first three-pointer arrived with 16:19 remaining in the game. Sears concluded the game with a disappointing shooting performance, going 2 for 12 from the field and 1 for 5 from three-point range. Labaron Philon was the leading scorer for second-seeded Alabama (28-9) with 16 points. Notably, no Alabama player made more shots than they missed, reflecting their collective offensive struggles.
Scheyer Leads Duke Back to Final Four
Duke coach Jon Scheyer, in his first Final Four appearance since succeeding Mike Krzyzewski in 2022, boasts a roster brimming with NBA prospects, potentially up to six. These prospects all contributed to Duke’s offensive effort and, more significantly, fortified their defense. Alabama’s offense looked a shadow of the team that had previously set tournament records with 25 three-pointers against BYU.
Historical Parallels to 2008 Final Four
The only prior Final Four to feature all No. 1 seeds occurred in 2008, with Kansas, Memphis, UCLA, and North Carolina participating—also held in San Antonio.
Florida Clinches Final Four Spot with Comeback Victory Over Texas Tech
Florida 84, Texas Tech 79
Coach Todd Golden celebrated Florida’s Final Four berth by cutting down the net, waving it to the jubilant crowd, and leading the fans in the Gator Chomp. An improbable celebration unfolded as Florida secured a return to the Final Four.
Gators Rally from Nine Points Down
Walter Clayton Jr. delivered clutch performances with two late three-pointers, spearheading top-seeded Florida’s remarkable comeback from a nine-point deficit to defeat Texas Tech 84-79 in the NCAA Tournament’s West Region final on Saturday.
Team Resilience Key to Florida’s Victory
“It shows our team’s unity,” Clayton emphasized. “We easily could have fractured, started blaming each other. But we remained composed and focused until the end. Thankfully, we achieved victory today.”
Dramatic Comeback in Final Minutes
The Gators (34-4) trailed 75-66 with under three minutes remaining before launching a furious rally against the third-seeded Red Raiders (28-9), who had engineered a similar comeback in the Sweet 16 against Arkansas. Clayton’s fadeaway three-pointer with 59 seconds left granted Florida a 78-77 lead, which they maintained to advance to their first Final Four since 2014, marking a significant achievement in Golden’s third season as head coach. Florida is slated to compete against the South Region champion—either Auburn or Michigan State—in San Antonio next Saturday.
Golden Praises Clayton’s Clutch Performance
“There isn’t another player I’d rather have with the ball in his hands in a crucial moment than Walter Clayton,” Golden stated. “The critical aspect is having someone who desires to take those shots. They are inherently difficult plays, but you need someone with the confidence to execute incredible individual plays. Walter exemplified that for us tonight.”
Golden’s Homecoming Victory
The comeback provided a triumphant homecoming for Golden, who played college basketball at Saint Mary’s in the Bay Area and began his head coaching career at San Francisco. As the final buzzer sounded, Golden turned to the Gators fans and emphatically pumped his fist, joining his celebrating players on the court.
Haugh Reflects on Final Four Dream Realized
“It’s unbelievable,” forward Thomas Haugh exclaimed. “It feels like a dream. I remember sneaking my phone into eighth-grade science class to watch the round of 64. Now, to say I’m playing in the Final Four is surreal.”
Clayton and Haugh Lead Scoring for Florida
Clayton, who began his college career at Iona, led the Gators with 30 points. Thomas Haugh contributed 20 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, including two pivotal three-pointers that initiated the comeback.
Strategic Fouling and Clayton’s Decisive Three
Clayton’s three-pointer tied the score after Texas Tech missed another free throw in a one-and-one situation, prompting Golden’s strategic decision to commit fouls early to extend the game. “It was a calculated decision to gain more possessions, and it proved successful,” Golden explained.
Gators Seal Victory at Free-Throw Line
Following a score by Darrius Williams for Texas Tech, Clayton’s final three-pointer put Florida ahead for good, and the Gators secured the victory at the free-throw line. Williams missed two late three-point attempts, despite sinking the game-tying basket in regulation and the game-winner in overtime against Arkansas earlier in the tournament.
Williams Laments Missed Opportunities
“I wish I could change a few plays,” Williams admitted. “But I can’t go back. I believed we could win until the clock ran out.”
Texas Tech’s Final Four Hopes Denied
Texas Tech narrowly missed their second-ever Final Four appearance, experiencing a heartbreaking late-game comeback defeat. Despite this loss, the Red Raiders demonstrated resilience by rallying from 13 points down in the final five minutes to defeat Arkansas in the Sweet 16. Williams led Texas Tech in scoring with 23 points, and JT Toppin added 20.