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Cinderella’s Slipper and the First Four: Alabama State vs. St. Francis in 2025’s NCAA Tournament

As the grip of winter loosens and the vibrant hues of spring begin to paint the landscape, a parallel rebirth occurs in the realm of college basketball. The dormant seeds of athletic ambition sprout, the buzzing energy of tournament time replaces the quiet lull of the regular season, and the sun shines a little longer on the dreams of teams vying for March Madness glory. And within this effervescent atmosphere, the spirit of Cinderella – that timeless tale of improbable triumph – takes center stage.

Cinderella, in this context, isn’t just a beloved fairy tale. It’s a metaphor for the underdog, the team that defies expectations and captures the hearts of fans with their unexpected journey. For the casual observer, she might be just another Disney Princess for much of the year, but come March, she transforms into a sporting chameleon, adopting the colors of a team fueled by determination, resilience, and a healthy dose of bracket-busting magic. Each year, a new jersey adorns her, representing the squad that, against all odds, continues to dance in the tournament, proving that sometimes, dreams really do come true.

The essence of Cinderella lies in finding the perfect fit, the team that embodies the characteristics of tenacity and surprising excellence. This year, the Alabama State Hornets and the St. Francis Red Flash aspire to be that team, hoping their performance will be the right size for that famed slipper. The two teams will kick off the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on Tuesday night in a First Four matchup, a play-in game with monumental implications.

The journey from the First Four to the coveted Final Four is arduous, but the Hornets and the Red Flash are ready to embark on the challenge. Their immediate goal is to secure the No. 16 seed in the South Region of the bracket. This initial hurdle might seem small, but it represents the critical first step in a potentially historic run. The reward for winning the First Four game? A daunting date with the top-seeded Auburn Tigers.

Auburn, a team likely ranked among the nation’s elite, presents a significant obstacle. However, the beauty of March Madness lies in its inherent unpredictability. Upsets are commonplace, and a team riding a wave of momentum can overcome even the most formidable opponents. Alabama State and St. Francis understand the magnitude of the task, but they also know that belief and unwavering execution can level the playing field.

The question looming over this First Four encounter is whether St. Francis’s tournament run will be a brief flash in the pan, extinguished by the stinging attack of Alabama State. Can the Hornets, fueled by a strong defense and opportunistic offense, assert their dominance and advance to the Round of 64? Or will the Red Flash, known for their resilient spirit and strategic gameplay, exterminate those pesky Hornets and book their trip to Kentucky, the site of their potential Round of 64 matchup?

To fully understand the dynamics of this captivating matchup, let’s delve deeper into the strengths and weaknesses of each team.

Alabama State Hornets: The Underdog With a Bite

The Alabama State Hornets, representing the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), enter the tournament with a chip on their shoulder. They’ve likely navigated a challenging conference schedule and emerged battle-tested, ready to prove their mettle on the national stage. Their style of play may center around a tenacious defense, forcing turnovers and disrupting the opponent’s offensive flow. Offensively, they might rely on a combination of quick guards and a powerful inside presence to generate scoring opportunities. Their coaching staff will undoubtedly emphasize discipline, minimizing mistakes, and capitalizing on any vulnerabilities displayed by St. Francis. To win, Alabama State must control the pace of the game, limit St. Francis’s scoring opportunities, and convert their own chances with efficiency. Key players may include a seasoned point guard who orchestrates the offense and a dominant forward who can score and rebound effectively.

St. Francis Red Flash: The Resilient Competitor

The St. Francis Red Flash, hailing from the Northeast Conference (NEC), arrive in the First Four eager to demonstrate their capabilities. They may have a well-balanced team, capable of scoring from multiple positions and playing with a high level of basketball IQ. Their offensive strategy could revolve around ball movement, player spacing, and exploiting mismatches. Defensively, they might prioritize communication, teamwork, and contesting every shot. The Red Flash’s coaching staff will likely emphasize composure, trust in their system, and adapting to the game’s ebbs and flows. To succeed, St. Francis must maintain their composure under pressure, execute their offensive sets with precision, and limit Alabama State’s second-chance opportunities. Key players could include a sharpshooting guard who can stretch the floor and a versatile forward who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.

The Keys to Victory:

• Turnovers: Which team can minimize turnovers and capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes?
• Rebounding: Controlling the boards will be crucial for both teams to create second-chance opportunities and limit their opponent’s possessions.
• Free Throws: In a close game, free throw shooting can be the deciding factor.
• Defense: Can either team consistently disrupt their opponent’s offensive rhythm and force difficult shots?
• Composure: Maintaining composure under pressure and executing the game plan effectively will be essential.

How to Watch:

Alabama State and St. Francis will tip off the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at 6:40 p.m. ET. You can catch the action on truTV or stream it on March Madness Live with a valid cable subscription. Alternatively, Sling TV offers a streaming option for watching the First Four.

The game between Alabama State and St. Francis is more than just a basketball game; it’s a microcosm of the March Madness experience. It’s a chance for two underdogs to prove themselves, to chase their dreams, and to potentially embark on a Cinderella run that will be remembered for years to come. Only one team will find the perfect fit for that elusive slipper, and the nation will be watching to see who it will be.