The Duke Blue Devils are heading to the Final Four for the first time since 2022 after a dominant 85-65 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide. The win was fueled by a balanced offensive attack and a stifling defensive performance that shut down Alabama's high-powered offense. It was a sweet moment of redemption for junior captain Tyrese Proctor, who had a standout game with 17 points after struggling in a similar Elite Eight situation last year. The Blue Devils' victory was a team effort, with significant contributions from freshmen Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach, who combined for 51 points. Knueppel's timely scoring and Flagg's all-around game were instrumental in Duke maintaining its lead and pulling away in the second half.

Duke's defense was the key to their success, holding Alabama to just 35.4% shooting from the field and a paltry 8-of-32 from three-point range. This was a stark contrast to Alabama's previous game, where they set an NCAA Tournament record with 25 made three-pointers. The Blue Devils' length and size bothered Alabama's star guard, Mark Sears, who was held to just six points on 2-of-12 shooting. Duke's defensive strategy focused on protecting the paint and forcing Alabama to take contested shots, which proved highly effective.

Florida also secured a spot in the Final Four with an 84-79 victory over Texas Tech. Walter Clayton Jr. led the Gators with a game-high 30 points, including several clutch shots down the stretch. The Gators' win was a testament to their resilience, as they erased a nine-point deficit in the final minutes of the game.

Duke's victory was not solely reliant on Cooper Flagg, despite his status as a projected No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick. Instead, it was a balanced effort that showcased the depth and talent of the entire Blue Devils roster. Freshmen Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach also played pivotal roles, demonstrating that Duke has multiple weapons capable of stepping up when needed. Knueppel led the team in scoring with 21 points, while Maluach anchored the defense and disrupted Alabama's offensive flow. Coach Jon Scheyer praised Caleb Foster's contributions, highlighting his defensive effort, rebounding, and overall impact on the game, even though his stats weren't eye-popping.

Scheyer himself made history, becoming only the third head coach in NCAA history to reach the Final Four as both a player and a head coach for the same team, joining Hubert Davis and Dick Harp. Scheyer was a key player on Duke's 2010 championship team, and now he has led the Blue Devils back to the Final Four in just his second season as head coach. His ability to make adjustments and guide his team through adversity has been a major factor in Duke's success.

Duke's defensive game plan against Alabama was particularly noteworthy. After Alabama's record-breaking three-point performance against BYU, Scheyer emphasized the importance of protecting the paint and limiting open looks from beyond the arc. The Blue Devils executed this strategy effectively, forcing Alabama to take contested shots and disrupting their offensive rhythm. Duke's defense has been a consistent strength throughout the tournament, and it will be a key factor in their Final Four matchup.

With their dominant win over Alabama, Duke has emerged as a favorite to win the national championship. Their balanced offense, stifling defense, and experienced coaching staff make them a formidable opponent for any team. However, the road to the championship will not be easy, as they will face a tough challenge from either Houston or Tennessee in the Final Four. Duke will need to maintain its focus, execute its game plan, and continue to rely on its team-oriented approach to achieve its ultimate goal.

Alabama's loss marked the end of the SEC's hopes of breaking the record for the most teams from one conference in the Final Four. Despite the defeat, Alabama coach Nate Oats acknowledged Duke's greatness and the challenges his team faced. Oats has built Alabama into a competitive program, and his team's success this season is a testament to his coaching ability. Although the Crimson Tide fell short of their goal of reaching the Final Four, they have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.