Elite Eight Game Preview: Bama vs Duke

As the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Duke Blue Devils prepare to clash in the Elite Eight tonight in Newark, New Jersey, basketball enthusiasts anticipate a compelling matchup between two of the nation’s top programs. Both teams have demonstrated exceptional prowess throughout the 2024-25 season, setting the stage for a battle that promises to be both intense and strategic.​

Alabama Crimson Tide Overview

Under the leadership of head coach Nate Oats, now in his sixth year, Alabama has continued to build upon its reputation for high-tempo, offense-oriented basketball. The Crimson Tide concluded the season with a 28–8 record, including a 13–5 mark in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. Their journey to the Elite Eight featured a commanding 113-88 victory over BYU, showcasing their offensive depth and efficiency.

Key Players for Alabama

• Mark Sears (Guard, 6’1″, 190 lbs): A graduate student from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Sears brings experience and leadership to the backcourt. First-team All-American.  Second on all-time scoring list for Alabama

• Grant Nelson (Forward, 6’11”, 230 lbs): Hailing from Devils Lake, North Dakota, Nelson’s versatility allows him to impact both ends of the floor, contributing significantly in scoring and rebounding. Blue-collar points leader for the Tide.

• Clifford Omoruyi (Center, 6’11”, 250 lbs): A graduate transfer from Rutgers, Omoruyi adds a formidable presence in the paint, bolstering Alabama’s interior defense and rebounding capabilities. Leads Bama in dunks. 

Alabama: Strengths and Weaknesses

Alabama’s offensive strategy emphasizes pace and space, often overwhelming opponents with rapid ball movement and three-point shooting. However, this approach can sometimes lead to vulnerabilities on the defensive end, particularly against teams that excel in half-court sets. Maintaining defensive discipline will be crucial against a methodical Duke offense.​

Duke Blue Devils Overview

Under the guidance of third-year head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke has assembled a roster that combines size, athleticism, and skill. The Blue Devils finished the season with a 34–3 record, dominating the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with a 19–1 record. Their path to the Elite Eight included a 100-93 victory over Arizona, highlighted by freshman Cooper Flagg’s 30-point performance.

Key Players for Duke

• Cooper Flagg (Guard/Forward, 6’9″, 205 lbs): A freshman from Newport, Maine, Flagg has made an immediate impact, earning multiple ACC Rookie of the Week honors and providing versatility on both ends of the court. ​

• Tyrese Proctor (Guard, 6’5″, 180 lbs): Originally from Sydney, Australia, Proctor’s playmaking abilities and defensive tenacity have been instrumental in Duke’s success this season.

• Khaman Maluach (Center, 7’2″, 230 lbs): Standing at 7’2″, the freshman center from South Sudan provides a significant defensive presence in the paint, altering shots and securing rebounds. ​

Duke: Strengths and Weaknesses

Duke’s considerable size advantage allows them to control the paint and dominate the boards. Their offensive sets are patient and deliberate, often exploiting mismatches created by their versatile lineup. However, their reliance on size can be challenged by teams that employ a fast-paced offense, potentially exposing them in transition defense.​

Historical Context

Duke and Alabama have only played 9 times.  Historically, Duke has held the upper hand in matchups against Alabama, leading the series 8-1 with Bama’s only win occurring in 1930. Their last encounter was in the NIT Season Tipoff in NYC on November 27, 2013, where Duke secured a 74-64 victory.

Recent Performances

Alabama’s recent triumph over BYU (113-88) was marked by an NCAA-record breaking three-point shooting display, underscoring their offensive capabilities. Conversely, Duke’s narrow win against Arizona highlighted their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, with Flagg’s standout performance signaling his readiness for high-stakes competition.​

Tonight’s Elite Eight matchup presents a compelling contrast in styles: Alabama’s fast-paced, perimeter-oriented offense against Duke’s size-driven, methodical approach. The outcome may hinge on which team can impose its style of play and exploit the other’s weaknesses effectively.​

Game Summary

• Game Time: 8:49 PM ET, March 29, 2025​
• Television Network: CBS
• Radio: CTSN​
• Location: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ​
• Current Rankings: Duke (#1 ranking, #1 seed in East), Alabama (#7 ranking, #2 seed in East)​
• Streaming Information: Available on Paramount+ and the CBS Sports app
• Game Notes: Alabama | Duke