Duke vs. Alabama: Blue Devils Dominate En Route to Final Four

When an immovable object meets an unstoppable force, one must give way. In the case of No. 1-seed Duke men’s basketball’s 85-65 victory over No. 2-seed Alabama, the unstoppable force was stopped, stifled, and ground to a halt.

The Blue Devils didn’t just win—they dismantled the nation’s top-ranked scoring offense. They held Alabama 26.1 points below its season average and forced the Crimson Tide into an abysmal 35.4% shooting performance. Just two days after setting an NCAA Tournament record with 25 three-pointers, Alabama managed only 8-of-32 from beyond the arc. Duke’s suffocating defense also limited Consensus First-Team All-American Mark Sears to a mere six points on 16.7% shooting. This was an astonishing feat, considering his 34-point explosion against BYU in the Sweet 16.

Such a performance is anything but ordinary. However, neither is this 2024-25 Duke team. With this commanding win, the Blue Devils have punched their ticket to the Final Four, proving they are more than worthy of their No. 1 ranking.

Duke’s Defensive Identity

From the start of the season, defense has defined this Duke squad. While their young freshmen and transfer additions took time to gel offensively, the Blue Devils relied on their natural athleticism and elite coaching to smother opposing attacks. As the season progressed, the offense caught up, making Duke the top team in the country. Now, just two days after scoring 100 points in the Sweet 16, the Blue Devils showcased their defensive dominance in their best performance yet.

Duke set the tone immediately on Alabama’s first possession. They forced a shot-clock violation after 30 seconds of relentless on-ball defense. That level of intensity persisted throughout the game. Every Crimson Tide player who caught a pass was met with a Duke defender in his face, unable to find room to operate. This relentless pressure is how head coach Jon Scheyer’s squad dismantles opponents.

“First of all, it was by committee,” graduate guard Sion James said postgame. “We were switching a lot in the second half, so Khaman [Maluach] was on Sears just as much as me or Tyrese [Proctor] were. The big thing for [Sears] was just showing him bodies—making sure that whoever was guarding him knew they weren’t on an island by themselves. We also made sure Sears knew he wasn’t on an island with our big or someone else.”

Khaman Maluach: The Defensive Anchor

Freshman center Khaman Maluach had one of his most impactful performances for Duke. His raw stats weren’t the main highlight, but his ability to neutralize Alabama’s offense was. Despite being just 18 years old and relatively new to the game of basketball, Maluach showcased elite defensive instincts. He seamlessly switched onto Sears and held his own against the explosive guard. His ability to drop into the paint and contest shots at the rim made him a crucial part of Duke’s defensive game plan.

“We have a luxury to have a guy like Khaman where he can really play different coverages,” Scheyer said. “We have a 7-foot-2 guy switching onto one of the best guards in the country, and he’s doing a pretty good job moving his feet.”

Duke’s Adaptability and Tactical Adjustments

Another key factor in Duke’s victory was its ability to adapt to Alabama’s offensive adjustments. The Blue Devils jumped out to an early 15-5 lead. However, Alabama reserve forward Aiden Sherrell unexpectedly hit two three-pointers, forcing Scheyer and his coaching staff to rethink their defensive approach.

“Our game plan wasn’t to switch,” Maluach said. “Our game plan was to stay more in coverage. But when we realized they had a pick-and-pop big and he hit two threes, we had to adjust to them. Coach was like, ‘We gotta go switching,’ and I was like ‘No problem. I’ll do the switching and try to do my best.’”

This willingness to adapt in real time, along with Duke’s disciplined execution, proved to be a game-changer. As Alabama fought to stay in the game, the Blue Devils put together a five-minute stretch of defensive excellence that effectively sealed the victory.

The Five-Minute Defensive Masterclass

With eight minutes left in the game and Duke holding onto a 65-58 lead, the Blue Devils locked in defensively and put on a clinic. It started with Maluach contesting a second-chance shot at the rim. It continued with Duke forcing multiple turnovers and missed shots. Alabama, the nation’s most potent offense, was held scoreless for five minutes. By the time the Crimson Tide finally broke the drought, Duke had built an insurmountable 20-point lead.

“We were just taking it one play at a time,” Maluach said. “We were just getting one stop at a time. And the clock was on our side, so we were using that to our advantage. Just finishing plays and getting rebounds was the big-time thing.”

Duke’s Road to a Sixth National Championship

With this victory, Duke is now just two wins away from its sixth national championship. The Blue Devils have evolved into a well-rounded powerhouse. They are capable of outscoring elite offenses while simultaneously shutting them down defensively.

The team’s balance between offensive firepower and defensive tenacity makes it a legitimate threat to win it all. Led by Coach Jon Scheyer, who has instilled a culture of toughness, competitiveness, and adaptability, this Duke squad has the tools necessary to make history.

What’s Next for Duke?

As the Final Four approaches, Duke will have to maintain its defensive intensity and continue executing at a high level. The remaining competition will undoubtedly provide new challenges. However, if the Blue Devils play with the same discipline and determination they showed against Alabama, they could very well be raising another championship banner in Cameron Indoor Stadium.

For Duke fans, the dream is alive. The Blue Devils are back in the Final Four, and the path to glory is clearer than ever. Whether they can complete their journey remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—this Duke team is built to win, and they aren’t stopping now.

Conclusion

Duke’s dominant performance against Alabama wasn’t just about advancing to the Final Four—it was a statement. By shutting down the nation’s best offense, the Blue Devils proved they are the most complete team in college basketball. With elite defense, offensive versatility, and a coach who knows how to make adjustments, Duke is primed for a national championship run.

Stay tuned for the Final Four as Duke continues its pursuit of greatness. The countdown to another championship banner is on.