The excitement of the 2025 NCAA Tournament continues to build as we approach the Elite Eight matchups this weekend. With the tournament starting with 68 teams earlier this month, the road to the Final Four is narrowing down.
This Saturday, two pivotal games will determine the first two teams to secure their spots in the Final Four.
Fans can expect thrilling contests as No. 1 seed Florida faces No. 3 seed Texas Tech in the West Regional Final, and No. 1 seed Duke takes on No. 2 seed Alabama in the East Regional Final.
Elite Eight Showdowns: Florida vs. Texas Tech
The first game of the evening will see the top-seeded Florida Gators clash with the third-seeded Texas Tech Red Raiders in San Francisco.
Florida has shown dominance throughout the tournament, most recently cruising past No. 4 seed Maryland to reach the Elite Eight for the first time since 2017.
Their frontcourt strength has been a key factor, with the Gators outrebounding Maryland 42-20 in their Sweet 16 victory.
Even with star big man Alex Condon sidelined for nearly 20 minutes due to an ankle injury, Florida maintained their dominance on the glass.
Texas Techโs Resilience
On the other hand, Texas Techโs journey to the Elite Eight has been nothing short of dramatic.
The Red Raiders pulled off the third-largest comeback in Sweet 16 history, overcoming a 16-point second-half deficit to stun No. 10 seed Arkansas.
A significant part of their success has been their relentless effort on the offensive boards, securing 22 of their 51 total rebounds on the offensive end.
At one point, they grabbed six offensive rebounds on a single possession, sparking their comeback.
Duke vs. Alabama: A Clash of Titans
In the second game of the evening, basketball fans are in for a treat as No. 1 seed Duke faces No. 2 seed Alabama in Newark, New Jersey.
This matchup is highly anticipated, with both teams showcasing incredible performances throughout the tournament.
Duke, under the guidance of coach Jon Scheyer, has advanced to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year.
They narrowly escaped an upset bid from No. 4 seed Arizona, thanks to a stellar performance by superstar Cooper Flagg.
Cooper Flaggโs Historic Performance
Flagg has been a standout player, becoming the first Duke player to record at least 30 points, five rebounds, and five assists in an NCAA Tournament game.
His performance in the Sweet 16, where he scored 30 points, dished out seven assists, and grabbed six rebounds, was nothing short of historic.
He also added three blocks to his stat line, becoming the first player in NCAA Tournament history to achieve such a feat since UCLAโs Ed OโBannon in 1994.
Flaggโs journey hasnโt been without challenges. He suffered an ankle injury in the ACC Tournament, causing him to miss Dukeโs final two games before the NCAA Tournament.
However, he returned in time for the first round, scoring 14 points against Mount St. Maryโs. His resilience and performance have put him on the path to becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Alabamaโs Record-Breaking Shooting
Alabama, meanwhile, is coming off a record-breaking performance in their blowout win over BYU.
The Crimson Tide set a new NCAA Tournament record by hitting 25 three-pointers, surpassing the previous record of 21 set by Loyola Marymount in 1990.
Guards Mark Sears and Aden Holloway were instrumental, each hitting six or more three-pointers.
Remarkably, Alabama could have won the game without making a single two-point shot, as they scored 75 points from beyond the arc and 18 from free throws, resulting in a 93-88 victory.
Key Storylines to Watch
As we look forward to these Elite Eight matchups, several storylines stand out:
- Rebounding Battle: Both Florida and Texas Tech have shown their dominance on the boards. The team that wins the rebounding battle will likely advance to the Final Four.
- Cooper Flaggโs Impact: Flaggโs historic performance and resilience will be crucial for Dukeโs success. His ability to lead and perform under pressure makes him a player to watch.
- Alabamaโs Three-Point Shooting: After setting an NCAA Tournament record, Alabamaโs shooting will be tested against Dukeโs defense. Their ability to maintain their shooting form could be the deciding factor.
These matchups promise to be thrilling, with each team bringing unique strengths and storylines to the court.
As the road to the Final Four continues, fans can expect high-stakes basketball and unforgettable moments.
For a detailed schedule and more insights, visit CBS Sports.
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