In an impressive display of teamwork and skill, the Duke Blue Devils triumphed over Alabama with a decisive 85-65 victory in the East Region final on Saturday night. This remarkable win marks Duke's 18th appearance in the Final Four, a significant achievement for the program and its fans. It is also the Blue Devils' first trip to the Final Four since 2022, following the legendary tenure of coach Mike Krzyzewski, who led the team for four decades.
As the Blue Devils prepare for their journey to San Antonio, all eyes will be on Cooper Flagg, a 6-foot-9 freshman sensation. Despite not dominating the game as he did in the previous region semifinal—where he scored 30 points—Flagg still contributed significantly with 16 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. His performance may not have been his best, but it was enough to keep the scoreboard in Duke's favor throughout the game.
The victory serves as a testament to the leadership of Duke's third-year coach, Jon Scheyer. Scheyer, who played and coached under Krzyzewski, has now become only the third coach in NCAA history to reach two Elite Eights within his first three seasons. This year, he successfully navigated the team past the heartbreaking upset of last season, where they fell to North Carolina State. Scheyer's ability to maintain composure and foster a collaborative team spirit has been pivotal in Duke's success.
Alabama entered the game as a formidable opponent, having established itself as a powerhouse in recent years with multiple deep tournament runs. However, the Crimson Tide struggled to find their rhythm against Duke's tenacious defense, particularly falling short in three-point shooting. After a stunning performance against BYU, where Alabama shot a tournament record of 25 for 51 from beyond the arc, they managed only 8 for 32 against Duke.
Duke's victory was a collective effort, with several players stepping up to deliver outstanding performances. Kon Knueppel led the charge with 21 points, showcasing his ability to drive to the basket. Additionally, Khaman Maluach, a 7-foot-2 freshman from South Sudan, added 14 points and nine rebounds, while Tyrese Proctor contributed 17 points on an impressive 7-for-10 shooting. This diverse scoring attack kept the pressure on Alabama throughout the game.
The first half was marked by electrifying plays and a charismatic performance from Duke. The Blue Devils surged ahead early, establishing a 15-5 lead and maintaining a comfortable margin that saw them enter halftime with a 46-37 advantage. Flagg's early contributions, including a three-pointer and several key rebounds, set the tone for Duke's offensive strategy, which was characterized by fluid ball movement and effective shooting.
As the second half unfolded, Alabama attempted to close the gap, but Duke's defense and efficient scoring kept the Crimson Tide at bay. Despite Flagg facing increased defensive pressure, Duke's other players rose to the occasion, ensuring their shooting percentage remained above 50% throughout the game. The final score of 85-65 not only reflects Duke's dominance but also highlights their potential as they head into the Final Four.
With this victory, the Duke Blue Devils are set to make their mark in the upcoming Final Four tournament in San Antonio. Their combination of young talent and experienced coaching has positioned them as a formidable contender for the championship. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Flagg and his teammates will perform on the national stage as they aim for college basketball's ultimate prize.
