NEWARK, N.J. — With 6:39 remaining in a nail-biting Elite Eight matchup, Duke's head coach Jon Scheyer gathered his team for what would become a pivotal moment in their quest for the Final Four. The scoreboard had Duke aiming for a significant victory against No. 2-seeded Alabama, and Scheyer's words would either propel them to San Antonio or mark a missed opportunity in his burgeoning coaching career.

“It’s our time, right f—ing now. Right f—ing now!” Scheyer proclaimed passionately to his players. “This is our game.” The charged atmosphere ignited a sense of urgency among the Blue Devils, and soon enough, Duke proved Scheyer right.

After that defining timeout, Alabama struggled to find their rhythm, scoring a mere seven points for the remainder of the game. The Crimson Tide, known for their explosive offense and record-breaking prowess, were held to just 35.4% shooting while Duke exploded offensively. The Blue Devils, on the other hand, turned their nine-point lead into a commanding 20-point cushion, finalizing an impressive 85-65 victory. Kon Knueppel was the standout scorer with 21 points, while freshman sensation Cooper Flagg contributed 16 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, earning the title of East Region Most Outstanding Player.

Despite Flagg’s performance not being at its peak — he shot 6-of-16 and committed four turnovers — his teammates rose to the occasion. Seven-foot-two center Khaman Maluach delivered a crucial performance with 14 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks, proving that strong collaboration and role fulfillment were vital to Duke’s success. Flagg acknowledged this teamwork by stating, “Everybody just coming into their role, doing their own, and just doing their job is what’s got us here.”

Duke’s victory secured them a spot in the Final Four for the 18th time in program history and their first appearance since 2022 under the direction of Scheyer, a former national champion as both a player and assistant coach.

In the next round, Duke will face the winner of the South Regional final between Houston and Tennessee next Saturday. The Blue Devils’ impressive journey, led by their outstanding talent and determination, showcases their belief in success fueled by Flagg’s potential.

Reflecting on the turning point that led to their victory, Scheyer emphasized the importance of treating every possession with care. “It can either be a game and all of a sudden, they’re on your heels — or you can get that extension,” he explained. His message resonated, as Duke tightened their defense effectively, resulting in Alabama’s disarray over the last seven minutes of play.

After the timeout, Alabama faced a barrage of missed opportunities, including missed layups, turnovers, and a solitary free throw, culminating in a devastating 13-0 run by Duke. “We had a shot there,” Alabama coach Nate Oats noted. “Then they went out on a 13-0 run — and the game was over.”

Duke’s defensive strategy was paramount throughout the game, underscoring their ranking as one of the nation’s top defenses. Alabama, which had recently dazzled with an offensive performance, was effectively stymied by Duke's lengthy roster that includes no players below 6 feet 5 inches. The Blue Devils epitomized disciplined basketball by contesting every shot and suffocating their opponents.

With only 80 minutes separating them from their ultimate goal, Duke is determined to continue their defensive prowess. As the adrenaline surged during the final stretch, the bench erupted when Flagg sunk a key shot, marking Duke's dominant performance from the start.

As Duke prepares for their Final Four showdown, fans are eagerly waiting for what could be another historic chapter in college basketball, with Scheyer and his squad eyeing a sixth national championship banner. The journey ahead promises to be exhilarating, and Duke is ready to leave their mark on NCAA history once again.