The madness of March was on full display Thursday night as two unforgettable Sweet 16 matchups in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament delivered buzzer-beaters, comebacks, and breakout performances. At the center of it all was Cooper Flagg, the sensational Duke freshman who lived up to every bit of the hype. His 30-point performance against Arizona sealed the deal and ensured the Blue Devils’ return to the Elite Eight.
In another thrilling game out West, Texas Tech clawed back from a 16-point second-half deficit to upset Arkansas in overtime, adding another chapter to an already wild NCAA tournament.
Here’s how Cooper Flagg sent Duke into the Elite Eight—and how Texas Tech shocked the Razorbacks in an OT thriller.
Cooper Flagg Sends Duke Into the Elite Eight With a Star-Making Performance
All eyes were on Cooper Flagg heading into Duke’s Sweet 16 showdown with Arizona, and the freshman didn’t disappoint. With 30 points on the night, Flagg proved once again why he’s not just one of the best young talents in college basketball—he’s already one of the best players in the country.
Flagg fueled a first-half surge that changed the entire trajectory of the game. In the final eight minutes before halftime, he dropped 15 of his 18 first-half points, including a momentum-swinging three-pointer just before the buzzer. The play began when teammate Mason Gillis grabbed a key rebound off a missed Arizona shot and quickly fed the ball to Flagg, who coolly knocked down the jumper as the half expired.
“Just a huge rebound by him (Gillis) at the end of the half to close it out,” Flagg said after the game. “He hit me on the run. I just went up and made a shot.”
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer had high praise for the moment.
“I mean, that was critical in that moment,” Scheyer said. “That’s what Cooper does. He finds a way to elevate us when we need it most.”
Duke Is the Last ACC Team Standing—and They’re Carrying the Banner Proudly
With the rest of the ACC eliminated, Duke remains the sole representative of the conference in the NCAA Tournament. That’s a fact not lost on Coach Scheyer, who played at Duke himself and understands the legacy of ACC basketball.
“It means a lot,” Scheyer said. “I’ve grown up in the ACC, so I take a lot of pride in what our league is capable of and what it’s done in the past.”
Duke’s Sweet 16 win sets up a massive East Regional final matchup with No. 2 seed Alabama, who dismantled BYU in dominant fashion with a 113–88 victory. Alabama is one of several SEC teams still dancing, underscoring the conference’s growing dominance in this year’s tournament.
SEC Continues to Dominate—Florida and Alabama Advance
The Southeastern Conference continues to assert itself in the 2025 tournament. With Florida and Alabama already through to the Elite Eight, and Kentucky, Tennessee, and Auburn still alive, the SEC has a strong shot to dominate the Final Four picture.
On Thursday night, Florida—another No. 1 seed—rolled past Maryland 87–71, using balanced scoring and stifling defense to punch their ticket to the next round. Their performance reinforced what many analysts have been saying: the SEC might now be the strongest basketball conference in the nation.
Texas Tech Survives Overtime Thriller Against Arkansas
While Duke and Florida won with authority, Texas Tech gave us the night’s biggest drama, coming from behind to beat 10-seed Arkansas in overtime, 85–83.
The Red Raiders were down 16 points in the second half before mounting a furious comeback. Darrion Williams hit a game-tying three in the closing moments of regulation, swinging the momentum squarely back in Texas Tech’s favor.
Alongside Kevin Overton, Williams helped carry the Red Raiders down the stretch, silencing the Razorbacks, who had been hoping to keep the SEC’s perfect night alive.
Arkansas head coach John Calipari, who has guided six teams to the Final Four in his career, expressed disappointment after the game.
“We gave up a lead, but we did that a bunch this year,” Calipari said. “They had a will to win. We had the vision, but it slipped away.”
Despite being the last double-digit seed in the tournament, Calipari believed Arkansas had what it took to go the distance. But now, their Cinderella story is over.
Cooper Flagg and Duke One Win Away From the Final Four
For Duke, all eyes now turn to Saturday’s Elite Eight matchup against Alabama, a game that will test both their talent and composure.
Flagg, who was one of the most coveted recruits in recent memory, said his decision to join Duke was based on a clear vision.
“I credit Coach Scheyer and the vision he laid out for me,” Flagg said. “It just felt like the right place with the right people.”
That vision now points to San Antonio, the site of the 2025 Final Four, which begins April 5.
Another big performance from Flagg could help propel Duke back to college basketball’s biggest stage—and complete one of the most remarkable freshman seasons in recent history.
Women’s NCAA Tournament Also Heating Up
While the men’s tournament has captured plenty of attention, the women’s NCAA Tournament is just as intense, with all four No. 1 seeds still in contention heading into the Sweet 16.
Action resumes Friday in Spokane, Washington, and Birmingham, Alabama, with major storylines including the return of injured stars and the emergence of new ones. The women’s bracket remains wide open, with potential upsets looming and several programs poised to make deep runs.
The Cooper Flagg Effect: Changing the Game for Duke and College Basketball
Flagg’s impact on Duke—and college basketball—has been undeniable. More than just a scorer, he’s become a leader, a floor general, and a clutch performer. His play has ignited comparisons to greats like Carmelo Anthony, who famously led Syracuse to a national title as a freshman.
Flagg isn’t chasing records or accolades, though. He’s focused on winning. And right now, no one is playing better when the stakes are high.
With Duke carrying the ACC’s hopes and riding Flagg’s star power, they’ve quickly become one of the must-watch teams in the tournament. If they can get past Alabama, a Final Four berth awaits—and maybe more.
Cooper Flagg Sends Duke Into Elite Eight as Madness Rolls On
Thursday’s NCAA Tournament action had everything you could ask for—highlight-reel plays, buzzer-beaters, dominant wins, and nail-biting overtimes. Cooper Flagg sending Duke into the Elite Eight was the headline, but Texas Tech’s comeback, the SEC’s continued dominance, and Florida’s strong showing all helped make it one of the best nights of March Madness yet.
As we move into the Elite Eight, the pressure will only increase. Can Duke ride their freshman phenom all the way to the Final Four? Will another SEC powerhouse rise to the occasion? And what surprises are still in store?
If Thursday was any indication, we’re in for a wild, unforgettable finish to the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
