Duke Defeats Alabama to Reach Final Four, Nate Oats Reacts
The Duke Blue Devils secured an 85-65 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the NCAA Tournament’s East Region final on Saturday, advancing to their 18th Final Four appearance. Duke’s defense played a crucial role in the win, shutting down Alabama’s high-powered offense and holding them to just 35.4% shooting from the field and 25% from three-point range.
Freshman guard Kon Knueppel led Duke with 21 points, while Tyrese Proctor contributed 17 points. The Blue Devils controlled the pace of the game and prevented Alabama from finding its rhythm, a key factor in their dominant performance.
Alabama, which had put up an impressive offensive display in its previous game against BYU, struggled to maintain that momentum. Star guard Mark Sears, who had been a crucial player in the tournament, was held to just six points, far below his usual output. The Crimson Tide’s shooting woes and Duke’s defensive intensity ultimately proved to be the deciding factors in the game.
Following the loss, Alabama head coach Nate Oats addressed the media, reflecting on his team’s performance and the challenges they faced against Duke. Oats acknowledged that the Blue Devils executed their game plan effectively, making it difficult for Alabama to generate open looks and sustain offensive runs.
“It’s tough to lose a game like this, but I’m proud of our guys and what they’ve accomplished this season,” Oats said. “Reaching the Elite Eight is not easy, and we played against a really strong Duke team that executed well on both ends of the floor.”
Oats emphasized the growth of Alabama’s basketball program and the high standard they are striving to maintain. He expressed gratitude for his players’ hard work and dedication, noting that the experience of playing at this level will serve as motivation for the team moving forward.
Despite falling short of a second consecutive Final Four appearance, Alabama’s season showcased its progress as a national contender. With a strong foundation in place, the Crimson Tide will look to build on this experience and return even stronger next season.
