Alabama State Stuns Saint Francis in a Thrilling First Four Finish

March Madness delivered a dose of pure excitement as Alabama State secured its first-ever NCAA Tournament victory in a heart-stopping fashion. The Hornets, champions of the SWAC, faced off against NEC champion Saint Francis in a First Four matchup that left fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.

In a back-and-forth battle where neither team was willing to give an inch, the game was tied 68-68 with just seconds remaining. Then, in a moment that will go down in Alabama State history, the Hornets executed a perfect Hail Mary-style inbounds pass, leading to a game-winning bucket with less than a second left on the clock. The 70-68 victory sent the Alabama State faithful into a frenzy and secured their place in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

A Historic Milestone for the Hornets

This win marked Alabama State’s first-ever NCAA Tournament victory, an achievement that not only adds a new chapter to the program’s history but also grants them an opportunity to take on a powerhouse in the next round. Awaiting them is a formidable opponent—the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed, Auburn.

Adding an extra layer of intrigue, Alabama State’s head coach, Tony Madlock, will have a reunion of sorts when he leads his team against Auburn. Madlock previously served as an assistant coach for the Tigers from 2010-2014, making this upcoming matchup even more compelling.

Looking Ahead to the First Round

With momentum on their side, the Hornets will need to bring their best effort against Auburn, a team that has dominated throughout the season. While Alabama State enters the matchup as the clear underdog, the magic of March Madness has proven time and time again that anything is possible.

Will the Hornets continue their Cinderella story and shock the tournament’s top seed? All eyes will be on Thursday’s first-round clash as Alabama State looks to make history once again.

Stay tuned for all the updates, highlights, and analysis as the NCAA Tournament unfolds!