Duke Blue Devils Return to the Final Four with Commanding Win Over Alabama
For the first time since 2022, the Duke Blue Devils are heading back to the Final Four. Under the leadership of third-year head coach Jon Scheyer, the storied program delivered a dominant performance against the No. 2-seed Alabama Crimson Tide, securing an emphatic 85-65 victory in the Elite Eight on Saturday night. The win marks a significant milestone in Scheyer’s tenure, as Duke looks to add to its illustrious history with a shot at a national championship.
A Statement Win for Duke
Duke entered the Elite Eight matchup against Alabama with momentum, having already overcome tough competition in the earlier rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Facing an Alabama team known for its explosive offense and three-point shooting prowess, the Blue Devils executed a near-flawless game plan on both ends of the floor.
From the opening tip, Duke imposed its will on Alabama, setting the tone with defensive intensity and efficient scoring. The Blue Devils raced out to an early lead, thanks to their balanced offensive attack and suffocating perimeter defense that limited Alabama’s ability to generate open looks from beyond the arc.
Scheyer’s First Final Four as Head Coach
Jon Scheyer took over as Duke’s head coach in 2022 following the retirement of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. While expectations have remained high for the program, reaching the Final Four in just his third season is a defining moment for Scheyer’s young coaching career.
“This is what we work for,” Scheyer said after the game. “I couldn’t be prouder of our guys and the way they fought. Alabama is a great team, and we knew we had to bring our best effort to get to this stage.”
Scheyer’s ability to lead Duke back to the Final Four is a testament to his coaching acumen, player development, and ability to navigate the challenges of March Madness.
Standout Performances
Duke’s success against Alabama was fueled by a collective team effort, but several key players delivered standout performances:
- Kyle Filipowski – The versatile forward showcased his all-around game, scoring 22 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and blocking three shots. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim was instrumental in Duke’s victory.
- Jeremy Roach – The senior guard provided steady leadership and playmaking, finishing with 18 points and five assists. His ability to control the tempo and make big shots kept Alabama’s defense on its heels.
- Tyrese Proctor – Proctor contributed with 15 points, showing off his improved shooting and defensive tenacity. His ability to disrupt Alabama’s backcourt played a crucial role in slowing down their offense.
Defensive Dominance Against Alabama
Alabama entered the game as one of the highest-scoring teams in the country, averaging over 80 points per game. However, Duke’s defensive game plan stifled the Crimson Tide’s attack. The Blue Devils held Alabama to just 65 points, one of their lowest outputs of the season.
Duke’s perimeter defense was particularly effective, limiting Alabama’s three-point shooters to a dismal 6-for-27 (22%) from beyond the arc. The Blue Devils forced contested shots, closed out aggressively, and controlled the defensive boards, preventing second-chance opportunities for the Crimson Tide.
Dominance in the Paint
One of the biggest differences in the game was Duke’s ability to control the paint. The Blue Devils outscored Alabama 42-24 in the painted area, using their size and physicality to dominate inside. Filipowski, Mark Mitchell, and Dereck Lively II were relentless on the boards and provided rim protection that frustrated Alabama’s interior scorers.
Duke also took advantage of Alabama’s defensive lapses, getting easy buckets in transition and capitalizing on mismatches in the post. The Blue Devils’ efficiency in the paint helped them maintain their lead throughout the game.
Alabama’s Struggles
Despite entering the game with high expectations, Alabama struggled to find its rhythm against Duke’s defense. Star guard Mark Sears, who had been Alabama’s leading scorer throughout the tournament, was held to just 12 points on 4-of-14 shooting. His inability to generate quality looks was a credit to Duke’s defensive pressure and disciplined game plan.
Alabama’s fast-paced, high-scoring offense was neutralized as Duke dictated the tempo, forcing the Crimson Tide into half-court sets where they struggled to create open shots. Head coach Nate Oats acknowledged Duke’s defensive execution after the game.
“They made things really difficult for us,” Oats said. “We didn’t get the clean looks we usually do, and credit to them for executing their game plan at a high level.”
The Road Ahead: Final Four Matchup
With the win, Duke advances to the Final Four, where they will face a formidable opponent with championship aspirations of their own. The Blue Devils will look to continue their strong play and take another step toward securing their sixth national championship.
For Duke’s players, the opportunity to compete on college basketball’s biggest stage is a dream come true.
“This is what we came to Duke for,” Filipowski said. “We want to make history, and we’re not done yet.”
Duke’s commanding 85-65 victory over Alabama in the Elite Eight was a statement performance that reaffirmed their status as a championship contender. Under Jon Scheyer’s leadership, the Blue Devils have returned to the Final Four with a well-balanced team that plays with intensity, discipline, and confidence.
With momentum on their side and a roster full of talent, Duke has a golden opportunity to add another national championship banner to the rafters at Cameron Indoor Stadium. As the Blue Devils prepare for their next challenge, one thing is clear: Duke is back where it belongs—on the grand stage of college basketball’s Final Four.