It’s official: Duke is back. After years of ups and downs, they are once again a powerhouse in college basketball.
For the 18th time in school history, the Blue Devils are heading to the Final Four, and they might just have a team capable of taking it all the way.
The win came in a decisive 85-65 performance against Alabama, a team that had been lighting up March Madness with its impressive 3-point shooting.
But even Alabama’s record-breaking long-range attack couldn’t outpace Duke’s all-around game.
Duke’s Freshman Stars Shine
While all eyes were on freshman Cooper Flagg, who had been the center of attention throughout the tournament, it was fellow freshman Kon Knueppel who led the charge, scoring 21 points in the game.
Flagg, despite being well-defended, still managed to contribute 16 points.
The real story, though, was how Duke’s defense shut down Alabama’s star, Mark Sears.
The hero of Alabama’s previous game, Sears struggled to find his rhythm, and Duke’s defensive pressure kept him from doing much damage.
A Challenging Task for Alabama
Coming into the game, Alabama was known for its high-speed offense, running one of the fastest paces in the country.
But Duke’s defensive schemes were too much for them.
Alabama had a tough time getting their shots off, especially from beyond the arc.
The Blue Devils’ defense not only slowed down the Alabama offense but also created opportunities for their own attack, leading to a 13-point first-half lead.
Alabama briefly cut the lead to six points after a 7-0 run, but Duke quickly responded with a clutch 3-pointer from Caleb Foster, pushing the lead back to nine before halftime.
Despite Alabama’s efforts, their 3-point shooting was not enough to keep up with Duke, finishing the first half with a disappointing 5-for-19 from beyond the arc.
Duke’s Dominant Second Half Performance
In the second half, Alabama continued to search for answers but couldn’t find any against Duke’s well-rounded squad.
Flagg struggled initially, but with the supporting cast stepping up, Duke maintained control.
Freshmen Tyrese Proctor, Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach all played pivotal roles, keeping Alabama at bay.
Knueppel’s quick drives, Proctor’s efficiency, and Maluach’s presence in the paint helped Duke push their lead further.
By the time the game reached the final stretch, Alabama’s star players, including Sears, had failed to deliver.
Sears, who had been a standout in earlier rounds, was cold, shooting just 2-for-9 and unable to provide any spark for his team.
As the clock ticked down, Duke’s dominance became undeniable, and they closed out the game with ease.
Duke’s Future Looks Bright
It’s hard to deny that Duke is back at the top of college basketball.
The freshmen played like seasoned veterans, and the team as a whole looked poised for another deep tournament run.
With players like Flagg, Knueppel, and Proctor stepping up in big moments, it’s clear this team has the potential to win it all.
As the Blue Devils prepare for their next challenge in San Antonio, the pressure of pursuing a sixth national title will be palpable—but so will their confidence.
A Disappointing Exit for Alabama
For Alabama, the loss was a tough pill to swallow. Despite their impressive offensive record earlier in the tournament, they couldn’t find their rhythm against Duke’s relentless defense.
For players like Sears and Nelson, this game marked the end of their college careers, leaving many fans to reflect on what could have been.
But as one Alabama fan put it, “Football season starts soon,” signaling the quick transition back to their fall sports focus.
The Road Ahead for Duke and Alabama
With Duke’s impressive performance, the road to the Final Four is now theirs to take.
As the team heads to San Antonio, they’ll be ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.
For Alabama, it’s back to the drawing board, but their efforts this season have shown they have the potential to be contenders again in the future.
Now, it’s time to wait and see if Duke can capitalize on this momentum and bring home another national championship.