The Battle of the Best was on display during the Elite Eight encounter. Alabama came in hot after a record-setting night from 3 in the Sweet 16 against Duke’s defense, which was ranked sixth nationally. It was the Blue Devils who prevailed and dominated the game from the get-go. As Nate Oats fell one win short of making the Final Four for the second consecutive season.
In the post-match press conference, the HC bluntly stated the reason for the loss. “It’s tough. Within 48 hours from playing as well as we did to playing as poorly as we did. That’s how the NCAA Tournament works…you play poorly, and you get sent home and that’s what happened.” With this, the No. 1 seed in the East Region Blue Devils, won 85-65 to advance to the Final Four. The rivalry has historic significance as well.
The Crimson Tide faced the Blue Devils for the first time in 11 years. Overall, it was their 10th showdown all-time. And did you know when was the last time Alabama won? It was 95 years ago, back in 1930. Back then, it was Hank Crisp’s Alabama team that won, which capped off a perfect 20-0 season by beating Duke and its All-American Werber at the Atlanta Auditorium (31-24).
“It’s tough. Within 48 hours from playing as well as we did to playing as poorly as we did. That’s how the NCAA Tournament works…you play poorly, and you get sent home and that’s what happened.” – Nate Oats on Alabama’s loss to Duke pic.twitter.com/kkd73VfjoU
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) March 30, 2025
The post Nate Oats Throws Alabama Under the Bus as Duke’s 95-Year Unbeaten Streak Lives On in Elite Eight Heartbreaker appeared first on EssentiallySports.