Alabama's Record Night Puts Tide on Collision Course with Duke's NBA-Bound Stars

The opening night of the Sweet 16 began with a resounding message.

If that version of Alabama basketball shows up, the Crimson Tide—in search of the program's first-ever national championship—can beat anyone.

They absolutely, savagely, devastatingly refused to miss.

Led by All-American guard Mark Sears, the nation's fastest-paced offense set NCAA tournament records in both three-pointers made (25) and attempted (51). Alabama blitzed upset-minded BYU in a wildly impressive 113-88 victory.

Sears knocked down 10 of those triples, while Aden Holloway and Chris Youngblood added six and five from the perimeter, respectively. The trio propelled Bama's offensive onslaught, one that vaulted the program to its second straight Elite Eight trip—which is only the third such appearance in team history.

There has not been a more extraordinary performance so far in the 2025 edition of March Madness. Alabama was nothing short of spectacular.

And the reality is the Tide might need it again.

Expecting an identical showing in the next round, of course, is unrealistic. Thursday's level of efficiency is unsustainable, to say the least, but that unconscious 40 minutes of basketball showed Bama, at its best, is a threat to everyone.

Still, what comes next—and, more accurately, who—will demand a similar brand of excellence from the Tide.

Duke's star-filled, NBA-caliber train continued powering down the NCAA tournament tracks with a thrilling 100-93 win over a feisty Arizona team.

No matter what the Wildcats threw at Duke, the youngsters had an answer.

This is presumably the first and last March Madness ride for the Blue Devils' standout freshmen, and they are showing out.

Cooper Flagg, as usual, stuffed the box score with 30 points, seven assists, six rebounds and three blocks. Kon Knueppel netted 20 points as Khaman Maluach provided 13 points and four blocks to fend off Arizona.

That trifecta looks destined for first-round selections in the 2025 NBA draft. Flagg is the presumed No. 1 overall pick, while Knueppel and Maluach are both projected to land in the lottery, per B/R's Jonathan Wasserman and many others. Isaiah Evans has opening-round upside, too.

Because of them, Duke—the pre-tournament favorite—has emphatically backed up its billing on a familiar path to the Elite Eight.

There's no question the 34-3 Blue Devils can beat anyone. Nevertheless, they're now preparing for a clash with the most confident offense in the country after not exactly shutting down Arizona's relentless attack.

This overlapping reality of Bama's upside and Duke's season-long dominance has created a truly fantastic showdown.

If you're a neutral fan, what a treat.

If your allegiance lies at the mercy of Alabama or Duke—my friend, Godspeed. Saturday night may test the limits of your emotional stability, though that's basically what March Madness is about.

Sears, a two-time All-American, has helped elevate Bama to unmatched heights. The program's steady rise, overseen by sixth-year coach Nate Oats, has established the Crimson Tide as a perennial force. They're about to send Sears and likely freshman guard Labaron Philon to the NBA, as well.

Duke is—well, it's Duke, the traditional power adored (and despised) for its ability to attract top recruits and compete for titles. Legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski is gone, but the Blue Devils' influence persists under Jon Scheyer.

When these two sides meet Saturday, there will be no shortage of belief.

The pace, at times, will be frenetic. The star power, unmistakable. The stakes—a trip to the Final Four—what those backyard dreams envisioned and silent gym hours finally made possible.

Bama can stick with anyone, and "anyone" doesn't get much tougher than Duke.

May the best offense win.