Elite Eight Matchup: Duke vs Alabama

Duke vs. Alabama is set for the Elite 8, which will take place Saturday night at 8:49 and may be the most exciting matchup of the weekend.

The Path to the Elite 8

Duke and Alabama are the top two seeds in the East Region, and have both made it to this point in impressive fashion. No.1 Duke made it to the Sweet 16 with ease, defeating both Mount St. Mary’s and Baylor by double-digits. Thursday’s matchup against the Arizona Wildcats came down to the wire, but a superstar performance by potential number one pick Cooper Flagg led them to victory.

The Alabama offense has been hot all year and put their talent on display in their first three games, scoring more than 80 points in each matchup. On Thursday, they scored a tournament high 113 points and defeated No.6 seed BYU by 25 points.

Feeling ELITE. Flagg drops 30. Duke wins 100-93. Next up: Alabama. pic.twitter.com/KxzAqnwkzo

— Kate Rogerson (@KateRogersonTV) March 28, 2025

Duke Continues To Be Dominant

Throughout the entirety of the season, the Blue Devils haven’t missed a step. They’re 31-3 on the season, led by the big three of Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Tyrese Proctor. Flagg has been one of the best players in college basketball, earning Freshman Player of the Year and headlining the finalists for Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year. When he’s not scoring, he’s making plays for Knueppel and Proctor who can score at all levels.

Duke’s size and athleticism will raise concerns for an Alabama defense that has been struggling defending the paint.

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The Crimson Tide Are Rolling

Alabama’s quick pace and explosiveness has been a nightmare for opposing defenses. They lead the NCAA in scoring, averaging 91.1 ppg. Point guard Mark Sears averages 19 ppg and has caught fire at the right time, making a tournament high 10 three pointers against BYU. The Alabama offense runs through Sears, and after Duke gave up 35 points to Arizona guard Caleb Love on Thursday, Sears will look for ways to exploit their defense.

Alabama also loves their pick and roll game, which can cause matchup issues when Duke needs to make a switch.

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How Do These Teams Matchup?

Duke and Alabama are two powerhouses that score at a very high level. Duke is a great shooting team that can get downhill, whereas Alabama gets most of their production from behind the arc. The performances from superstars Flagg and Sears will be the biggest determining factor of this matchup. When these guys don’t perform well, both teams are at a major disadvantage. Because both of these offenses are so talented, defense will set the tone for who comes out victorious.

The battle between these historic programs should be a good one with a spot in the final four at stake.  Tipoff is set for Saturday at 8:49 p.m.