Elite Eight Mayhem: Florida's Comeback & Duke's Dominance Secure Final Four Spots

The 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament continued its thrilling run with an electrifying Elite Eight. Saturday's games saw two number one seeds, Florida and Duke, solidify their spots in the Final Four in San Antonio, showcasing the highs and lows of March Madness.

Florida Gators' Epic Comeback Against Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Florida Gators, fresh off their Sweet Sixteen victory over Maryland, faced a tough challenge in the third-seeded Texas Tech Red Raiders. Texas Tech, having already staged a remarkable comeback against Arkansas in the previous round, entered the game with momentum and a renewed sense of purpose after Chance McMillian returned from injury. The Red Raiders, led by the potent scoring trio of JT Toppin, Darrion Williams, and Christian Anderson, mounted a stunning second-half surge, building a 10-point lead with less than eight minutes remaining. This put the Gators in their largest deficit of the tournament, threatening a monumental upset.

However, Florida displayed its championship mettle. Fueled by clutch three-pointers from Thomas Haugh (20 points, 11 rebounds) and Walter Clayton Jr. (game-high 30 points, 13 in the final 5:24), the Gators unleashed a blistering 16-2 run. Clayton's incredible turnaround three-pointer proved to be a pivotal moment, giving Florida a one-point lead with under a minute to play. They held on to secure an 84-79 victory, sending shockwaves through the tournament and showcasing their remarkable resilience. This win marked a triumphant return to the Final Four for the Gators, their first since 2014.

Duke Blue Devils' Defensive Masterclass Silences Alabama Crimson Tide

Duke, another number one seed, faced a different kind of challenge against the high-powered offense of Alabama. The Blue Devils' young core, featuring freshman stars Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach, delivered a memorable defensive performance. While Alabama briefly threatened, cutting the lead to seven points, Duke responded with a decisive run. The Blue Devils’ length and athleticism proved too much for the Crimson Tide, holding them to their worst scoring output of the season (85-65).

Flagg (16 points) and Knueppel (19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists) led the offensive charge, while Maluach (14 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks) dominated inside. Tyrese Proctor also contributed a stellar performance with 17 points. The Blue Devils' suffocating defense, highlighted by holding Mark Sears to a dismal 2-of-12 shooting, was the key to their victory, proving that they are a serious contender for the national championship. This marks Coach Scheyer's first trip to the Final Four, a testament to his coaching prowess and the team’s incredible growth.

The Final Four is set, and the anticipation for a clash between these two dominant teams is palpable. The stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.