Sears, Alabama can't duplicate record 3-point night, fall to Duke with Final Four at stake
- On March 29, 2025, Duke defeated Alabama 85-65 in the NCAA Tournament's East Region final at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, advancing to the program's 18th Final Four appearance.
- Duke's victory came almost a year after their Elite Eight loss to North Carolina State, and against an Alabama team whose nation-leading offense struggled, failing to crack 70 points for only the second time this season.
- Kon Knueppel led the Blue Devils with 21 points, while Khaman Maluach contributed 14 points, helping Duke overcome a rough shooting night for Cooper Flagg, who still managed 16 points, and capitalize on Alabama's eight turnovers.
- Coach Nate Oats noted that Alabama struggled when Duke switched ball screens, while Mark Sears stated that Duke's defense made it hard to drive and did a good job building out.
- Duke, with a 35-3 record, will now head to San Antonio for the Final Four to play the winner of the Houston-Tennessee game, marking Jon Scheyer's first Final Four appearance as head coach since taking over from Mike Krzyzewski in 2022.
127 Articles
127 Articles

No. 1 Duke goes wire-to-wire in sinking No. 2 Alabama
NEWARK, N.J. -- Duke basketball was 364 days removed from a loss in the Elite Eight to rival North Carolina State. Most programs would find joy in an Elite Eight run. Not the Blue Devils. That doesn't live up to…
Duke Blue Devils Final Four shirts, hoodies and hats drop after Elite 8 win
The Duke Blue Devils have punched their ticket to the Final Four with a win over Alabama in the Elite 8. The Blue Devils won 85-65, continuing their run as the most dominant team in the NCAA Tournament this season.
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