In a decisive 85-65 victory, the Duke Blue Devils triumphed over Alabama in the East regional final of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, securing their spot in the Final Four. The game, held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, featured standout moments, particularly from Duke freshman Cooper Flagg. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches, Flagg faced off against Alabama's 6 feet 1 inch Mark Sears, both of whom were named first-team All-Americans this season.
With under eight minutes remaining and Duke leading by seven, Flagg struggled with his shooting, finishing the game with 16 points on 6-for-16 shooting. However, he managed to score crucial baskets during pivotal moments, demonstrating resilience despite the pressure from Sears. The contest saw Sears have a challenging night, shooting just 2-for-12 from the field, further contributing to Alabama's struggles.
Duke's victory marked a significant achievement for head coach Jon Scheyer, as it is the team's first Final Four appearance since 2022, the last season for legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. The Blue Devils will now face the winner of the Houston-Tennessee Elite Eight game in the national semifinals.
Flagg's performance throughout the tournament has garnered attention, including being named the Most Outstanding Player of the East region. His contributions against Arizona, where he scored 30 points and recorded multiple assists and rebounds, have solidified his status as a top college player, with many speculating about his potential as the first overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
As the tournament progresses, the focus remains on Flagg and the Blue Devils, who continue to pursue championship glory amidst discussions about the overall competitiveness of this year's tournament.