Alabama State Pulls Off Miracle Win, Faces Auburn in Round of 64
The NCAA Tournament’s First Four delivered a thrilling start on Tuesday night, capped by a moment of pure March Madness magic courtesy of Alabama State. In a game that will be replayed and discussed for years to come, the Hornets edged out St. Francis (Pa.) with a final score of 70-68, securing a coveted spot in the Round of 64 and a daunting matchup against top-seeded Auburn.
The victory was nothing short of miraculous, a testament to Alabama State’s resilience and unwavering determination. The Hornets, playing with the weight of underdog status, battled back from a significant deficit to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the game’s final seconds.
The drama unfolded in a blur. With the score knotted at 68-68 and a mere 3.4 seconds remaining on the clock, Alabama State found themselves with possession and a desperate need for a score. In a play reminiscent of Christian Laettner’s iconic buzzer-beater for Duke in 1992, Micah Simpson launched a full-court heave, a prayer sent soaring through the air.
The ball, arcing against the backdrop of roaring fans, was tipped in the air near the basket. In a moment that seemed scripted by fate, the deflection landed perfectly into the hands of Amarr Knox, who was positioned directly underneath the rim. With remarkable composure under immense pressure, Knox banked in the layup as time expired, sending the Alabama State bench and their supporters into absolute pandemonium.
St. Francis, stunned and heartbroken, had a single second to respond with a miracle of their own. However, their desperation three-quarters court shot fell short, sealing Alabama State’s improbable victory and punching their ticket to the next round.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams. St. Francis appeared to be in control for much of the first half, building a lead that reached as many as nine points. Riley Parker’s three-pointer with just over a minute remaining in the first half extended their advantage, seemingly putting Alabama State on the ropes. However, the Hornets, refusing to succumb to the pressure, managed to trim the deficit to five points before the halftime buzzer sounded.
Undeterred by Alabama State’s late surge, St. Francis came out strong in the second half, quickly re-establishing an eight-point lead. But the Hornets, displaying remarkable tenacity, began to chip away at the lead, methodically clawing their way back into contention. With just under two minutes remaining in the game, Alabama State finally seized the lead, taking a four-point advantage.
The final moments were a frantic exchange of baskets and turnovers. Chris Moncrief of St. Francis drilled a clutch three-pointer with 40 seconds remaining, tying the game at 68 apiece. Alabama State’s TJ Madlock then missed a crucial one-and-one free throw opportunity, giving St. Francis a chance to take the lead. However, a costly turnover by St. Francis opened the door for Alabama State’s last-second heroics.
The miraculous victory propels Alabama State into a daunting Round of 64 matchup against the top-seeded Auburn Tigers. Auburn, who have been a dominant force for most of the season, present a formidable challenge for the Cinderella story Hornets.
Despite Auburn’s impressive overall record, Alabama State may find a glimmer of hope in the Tigers’ recent struggles. Auburn has stumbled down the stretch, losing three of their last four games after starting the season with a remarkable 27-2 record. This late-season slide could potentially make them vulnerable, providing Alabama State with a slim opportunity to pull off another monumental upset.
Amarr Knox, the hero of the hour for Alabama State, led his team in scoring with 16 points, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His game-winning layup will forever be etched in the annals of March Madness lore.
For Alabama State, the victory over St. Francis is more than just a win; it is a symbol of their resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in themselves. It is a moment that will inspire the team and their fans as they prepare for the challenge that lies ahead against Auburn. Whether they can continue their improbable run remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Alabama State has already captured the hearts of basketball fans across the nation with their unforgettable display of March Madness magic. Their journey is a reminder that in the world of college basketball, anything is possible, and that even the smallest of teams can achieve the greatest of triumphs.
