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ESPN Computer Predicts Winner Of Alabama vs. Duke

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Mar 28, 2025 9:49 AM ET

The East Region in the NCAA Tournament will comes down to the top two seeds, Duke and Alabama. Those two programs will square off on Saturday night in the Elite Eight.

Duke defeated Arizona on Thursday night due to an incredible performance from freshman phenom Cooper Flagg. He had 30 points, seven assists, six rebounds and three blocks in the team's 100-93 win. After the game went final, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer told reporters, "That was one of the best tournament performances I've ever coached or been a part of."

Alabama might not have a player on Flagg's level, but senior guard Mark Sears proved in the Sweet 16 that he's one of the top players in the country. He dropped 34 points on BYU while shooting 11-of-18 from the field.

Tipoff between Alabama and Duke is over 24 hours away, but that won't stop ESPN from releasing its early prediction.

As of this Friday, ESPN's computer model gives Duke a 72.4 percent chance of defeating Alabama.

Saturday night's game should be a high-scoring affair.

On Thursday night, Alabama scored 113 points on BYU thanks to its incredible shooting. Though it sounds too good to be true, the Crimson Tide went 25-of-51 from beyond the arc.

Duke, on the other hand, has scored at least 89 points in every game this tournament. While the spotlight is usually on Flagg, his supporting cast is capable of lighting up the boxscore. Sion James, Kon Knueppel, Khalman Maluach and Tyrese Proctor have all had their moments this March.

The Blue Devils have not yet reached the Final Four with Scheyer as their head coach. They have made the Elite Eight in back-to-back seasons though.

As for the Crimson Tide, they're trying to make the Final Four for the second year in a row.

Who do you think will win on Saturday night: Alabama or Duke?

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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