Elite Eight Recap: Duke 85, Alabama 65 — March 29, 2025

Setting the Stage

The highly anticipated Elite Eight matchup took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Duke entered the game on a strong postseason run, while Alabama boasted the top offense in the nation. It was a clash of styles: Duke’s smothering defense versus Alabama’s explosive offense.

First Half: Duke Takes Control Early

From the opening tip, Duke imposed its will. Cooper Flagg and Tyrese Proctor were particularly active early on both ends. Duke quickly built a lead with their aggressive defense and balanced scoring.

• Halftime Score: Duke 46, Alabama 37
• Duke shot over 50% in the first half and held Alabama’s usually high-powered offense under wraps.
• Alabama’s Mark Sears, their leading scorer, was held to just 6 points the entire game — a credit to Duke’s backcourt defense and pressure on the perimeter.

Second Half Surge: The 13-0 Run

The turning point of the game came early in the second half when Duke went on a 13-0 run. This stretch completely broke Alabama’s rhythm and silenced their fans.

• Kon Knueppel, a freshman sensation, was instrumental during this run, scoring from beyond the arc and inside the paint.
• Khaman Maluach controlled the boards and anchored Duke’s interior defense, finishing with 14 points and 9 rebounds.
• Cooper Flagg, already being touted as a potential No. 1 NBA Draft pick, dazzled with blocks, fast break finishes, and tough rebounds.

Final Stats Overview

• Duke: Shot 50.8% from the field, 39.1% from three, and won the rebound battle 41–31.
• Alabama: Shot just 35.4% from the field, 25% from three-point range.
• Duke had four players score in double figures.
• Alabama turned the ball over 12 times, many of which led to fast break points for Duke.

Key Players

• Kon Knueppel (DUKE): 21 points (game high), 4 rebounds, 2 assists
• Tyrese Proctor (DUKE): 17 points, 5 assists
• Cooper Flagg (DUKE): 16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks
• Khaman Maluach (DUKE): 14 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks
• Mark Sears (ALA): 6 points on 2-9 shooting

Coaches’ Reactions

• Jon Scheyer (Duke): Praised the team’s “unity, toughness, and trust,” adding that the team “locked in” defensively to stop Alabama’s run-and-gun style.
• Nate Oats (Alabama): Gave credit to Duke’s physicality and how they took Alabama “out of rhythm early.” Oats also acknowledged that this game was “a learning moment for the program.”

Atmosphere and Crowd

Duke fans were loud and energized throughout. Every highlight-reel dunk by Flagg or deep three by Knueppel brought the crowd to its feet. The momentum shifts were palpable — especially during the second-half run when Duke blew the game open.

What This Means for Duke

With the win, Duke advances to the Final Four for the 18th time in school history, where they’ll face the winner of Houston vs. Tennessee. Cooper Flagg’s performance continued to elevate his legend, and Scheyer’s success as a second-year head coach puts him in elite company.

What This Means for Alabama

Alabama finishes the season at 28–9, their second straight Elite Eight appearance. While disappointing, this game highlighted how far the program has come under Nate Oats. The offseason will be crucial, especially in retooling their defense and seeking a go-to presence to replace Sears.