Hornets Stun Red Flash with Last-Second Miracle, Advance to Face Auburn
The Alabama State Hornets men’s basketball team etched their name into NCAA Tournament lore on Tuesday night, securing their first-ever tournament victory in dramatic fashion. A desperate, full-court inbound pass and a timely layup in the dying moments propelled the Hornets to a thrilling 70-68 First Four win over the St. Francis Red Flash at the University of Dayton’s UD Arena. The improbable victory sends the Hornets soaring into the main draw of the NCAA Tournament, where they are now set to face a daunting challenge: a matchup against the tournament’s top overall seed, the Auburn Tigers, on Thursday.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, a tense battle fought with every ounce of effort by both teams. Neither squad managed to establish a dominant lead, with momentum swinging constantly. The Red Flash, hailing from the Northeast Conference, showcased their grit and determination, refusing to back down despite the Hornets’ relentless pressure. Alabama State, representing the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), displayed resilience of their own, answering every St. Francis run with one of their own. The atmosphere in UD Arena crackled with intensity as the clock ticked down, the tension palpable among players, coaches, and fans alike.
As the final seconds dwindled, the score was knotted at 68 apiece. The Red Flash, having battled back from a late deficit, had seemingly positioned themselves to force overtime, or perhaps even steal a victory. However, fate had other plans. With a mere 3.4 seconds remaining on the clock, Alabama State faced an inbounds situation under their own basket. The Hornets needed a miracle.
Enter Micah Simpson, a guard for Alabama State. Recognizing the dire situation, Simpson prepared to inbound the ball, opting for a play that would be forever remembered in Hornets’ history. Instead of a short, safe pass, Simpson heaved a full-court pass, a high-arcing throw that mirrored the desperation and hope of a Hail Mary pass in football. The ball soared through the air, a prayer launched towards the opposite end of the court.
Four players – two from Alabama State and two from St. Francis – leaped into the air, converging at the ball’s anticipated landing spot. A chaotic scene unfolded as hands and arms battled for control. The ball, momentarily possessed by no one, ricocheted off the fingertips of the players, taking an unpredictable bounce towards the basket.
In a moment that seemed to defy physics and logic, the ball miraculously fell into the waiting hands of Amarr Knox, a guard for the Hornets. Knox, positioned perfectly amidst the chaos, seized the opportunity. Without hesitation, he gathered the ball and laid it up towards the basket. The arena held its breath as the ball hung in the air for what felt like an eternity before finally dropping through the net.
Bedlam erupted on the Alabama State sideline. The buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game. The Hornets had won, 70-68. Amarr Knox, the hero of the moment, was mobbed by his teammates, a jubilant pile of humanity celebrating a victory that will be recounted for generations.
Knox, who finished the game with a team-high 16 points and two steals, was understandably elated. "These guys are amazing," he said after the game, his voice filled with emotion. "Each and every day they come in and work, no matter if we are up or down. They find a way to help us win this game." His words resonated with the spirit of a team that had overcome adversity and achieved the improbable.
While celebrating the historic victory, Knox and the Hornets are also keenly aware of the challenge that lies ahead. The No. 1 overall seed Auburn Tigers, a powerhouse program with championship aspirations, await them in the first round of the main tournament bracket. The task is daunting, but the Hornets are undeterred.
"We are going to try to get the win," Knox declared, his eyes filled with determination. His confidence is a reflection of the team’s belief in themselves, a belief forged in the crucible of hard work and unwavering dedication.
The victory over St. Francis is more than just a single win; it’s a symbol of perseverance, a testament to the power of belief, and a validation of the hard work and dedication of the Alabama State men’s basketball program. It’s a moment that will inspire future generations of Hornets players and fans alike.
The improbable journey of the Alabama State Hornets continues. They have already defied the odds once, and they are determined to do so again. Facing Auburn will be the biggest challenge of their season, but this team has proven that they are capable of anything. They are ready to embrace the challenge, to fight for every possession, and to represent their university and their community with pride.
The Hornets’ improbable victory serves as a reminder that in the unpredictable world of college basketball, anything is possible. It’s a story of underdogs, of improbable heroes, and of the magic that makes March Madness so captivating. The Alabama State Hornets have earned their place in the tournament spotlight, and they are ready to make the most of it. The nation will be watching on Thursday as they take on Auburn, ready to see if they can pull off another stunning upset and continue their improbable run. Whatever the outcome, the Hornets have already made history, and they have given their fans a moment they will never forget.
