Tennessee boasts one of the top defenses in the country, a tough, physical group that leaves opponents battered and bruised.
However, Houston showed the Volunteers what defensive dominance truly looks like in the Elite Eight.
With relentless pressure and constant defensive rotations, the Cougars had Tennessee feeling trapped, like they were stuck in an escape room with no way out, securing a 69-50 victory on Sunday.
“They play their style, and that’s why they’re at the top,” said Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes. “That’s the standard of their program.”
Next weekend in San Antonio, the Final Four will feature all four No. 1 seeds—a rare occurrence, matched only by the 2008 tournament since seeding began in 1979.
All four teams are defensive powerhouses, proving the old saying true.
How important is defense? Among the last 10 national champions, only Baylor (ranked 22nd) in 2021 didn’t finish in the top 11 for defensive efficiency.
Houston leads the nation in defensive efficiency, followed by Duke at fourth, Auburn at eighth, and Florida at tenth.
Duke often grabs headlines for its offense—and it’s well-deserved. With standout players like All-American Cooper Flagg, sharpshooter Kon Knueppel, and dynamic guard Tyrese Proctor, the Blue Devils are always a scoring threat.
What’s made Duke such a powerhouse this season is their defense, which perfectly complements their offensive prowess.
The Blue Devils feature exceptional on-ball defenders, players who can switch seamlessly, and a rim protector in 7-foot-2 Khaman Maluach who cleans up at the basket.
Alabama found out just how dominant Duke’s defense can be in an 85-65 Elite Eight defeat.
Duke shut down the nation’s top-scoring team, holding the Crimson Tide more than 25 points below their season average and limiting them to just 8-for-32 shooting from beyond the arc—this coming just two days after Alabama set an NCAA record with 25 three-pointers against BYU in the Sweet 16.
“They’ve got length all over the place,” said Alabama coach Nate Oats. “When they’ve got a rim protector, it’s hard to get good shots at the rim.”
Florida’s roster has a similar defensive makeup to Duke’s.
Florida boasts a star in All-American Walter Clayton Jr. and several big men who excel at scoring inside. Their length and depth also give them an edge on defense.
With four players standing at least 6-9, including agile 6-11 forward Alex Condon, the Gators form a nearly impenetrable barrier around the basket. Alongside Clayton and Florida’s tenacious guards, the team staged an incredible comeback, overcoming a nine-point deficit with just three minutes left to defeat Texas Tech 84-79 in the Elite Eight.
“We’re strength in numbers, similar to what the Warriors used to say back in the day,” said coach Golden. “That’s our team as well. Having those four bigs out there playing consistent minutes is really important to us.”
Auburn’s roster features athletic, versatile players who switch defenses seamlessly and stretch opponents beyond the three-point line. At 6-11 and 255 pounds, Dylan Cardwell anchors the defense, blocking shots and dominating anyone who tries to attack the rim.
While All-American Johni Broome isn’t known for high-flying dunks, his defensive instincts and quick hands make him a key asset.
Together, Auburn’s defense stands tall alongside their powerful offense, holding NCAA Tournament opponents to an average of just 65 points per game.
“When we drove, we saw four or five guys coming at us, so you’ve got to try to make a play,” said Michigan State guard Jase Richardson, who scored 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting against Auburn. “They rotated quickly, defended well, and made it tough for us.”
It’s going to be tough for every team in San Antonio, adding a few bruises to the chalk on the Riverwalk.
