After Willard exited Maryland to accept the open head coaching position with Villanova, there were reports linking Oats to the Terrapins. However, Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne also refuted the notion that Oats was going anywhere, saying during an appearance on The Will Cain Show, "I could absolutely tell you there's no truth to that."

Although there were moments when the game seemed within reach, Cooper Flagg and Duke were simply too much to handle. Alabama went on to lose 85-65, as their shooting stroke evaded them, going just 8-of-32 (25%) from deep and 23-of-65 (35.4%) from the field.

Alabama head basketball coach Nate Oats couldn't will the Crimson Tide to a second straight Final Four, bowing out ungracefully in the Elite Eight. Duke won 85-65 and sent Mark Sears, one of the greatest players ever to don the Crimson Flame,