The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Duke Blue Devils are two of the most storied programs in college basketball history. The two schools have met 52 times on the hardwood, with Alabama holding a slim 27-25 advantage. The rivalry has been particularly heated in recent years, with the two teams meeting in the NCAA Tournament three times in the past seven years.
The Early Years
The first meeting between Alabama and Duke took place in 1949, with Alabama winning 76-67. The two teams met again in 1952, with Alabama again winning, this time by a score of 82-72. Duke finally got its first win over Alabama in 1953, winning 73-69.
The 1960s and 1970s
The 1960s and 1970s were a golden era for both Alabama and Duke. Alabama won three national championships during this period (1964, 1975, and 1979), while Duke won two (1964 and 1978). The two teams met four times during this period, with Alabama winning three of the meetings.
The 1980s and 1990s
The 1980s and 1990s were a down period for both Alabama and Duke. Alabama did not win a national championship during this period, and Duke only won one (1991). The two teams met three times during this period, with Duke winning two of the meetings.
The 2000s and 2010s
The 2000s and 2010s have been a period of resurgence for both Alabama and Duke. Alabama has won two national championships during this period (2009 and 2011), while Duke has won three (2001, 2010, and 2015). The two teams have met seven times during this period, with Alabama winning four of the meetings.
The NCAA Tournament
Alabama and Duke have met three times in the NCAA Tournament, with Alabama winning two of the meetings. The first meeting came in the 2004 Elite Eight, with Alabama winning 82-74. The second meeting came in the 2006 Sweet Sixteen, with Alabama again winning, this time by a score of 70-63. The most recent meeting came in the 2018 Final Four, with Duke winning 84-83.
The Key Players
Some of the key players in the Alabama-Duke rivalry include:
- Alabama: Wimp Sanderson, C.M. Newton, Robert Horry, Kira Lewis, Herb Jones
- Duke: Mike Krzyzewski, Shane Battier, Carlos Boozer, Zion Williamson, Paolo Banchero
The Future of the Rivalry
The Alabama-Duke rivalry is one of the most storied in college basketball history. The two schools have met 52 times on the hardwood, with Alabama holding a slim 27-25 advantage. The rivalry has been particularly heated in recent years, with the two teams meeting in the NCAA Tournament three times in the past seven years.
The future of the rivalry is bright. Both Alabama and Duke are expected to be competitive for years to come. The two schools are scheduled to meet again in the regular season in 2023 and 2024.
Conclusion
The Alabama-Duke rivalry is one of the most passionate and intense in college basketball. The two schools have met 52 times on the hardwood, with Alabama holding a slim 27-25 advantage. The rivalry has been particularly heated in recent years, with the two teams meeting in the NCAA Tournament three times in the past seven years.
The future of the rivalry is bright. Both Alabama and Duke are expected to be competitive for years to come. The two schools are scheduled to meet again in the regular season in 2023 and 2024.
