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March Madness has officially kicked off, and Alabama State has already made headlines with a thrilling win.
The First Four games commenced on Tuesday night, delivering excitement as teams competed for a chance in the coveted NCAA tournament bracket. In an exhilarating match, Alabama State triumphed over St. Francis (Pa.) with a score of 70-68, culminating in a miraculous last-second play.
With just 3.4 seconds remaining and the score tied at 68, Alabama State executed a play reminiscent of famous buzzer-beaters. Micah Simpson launched a long pass down the court, a Hail Mary that would make any basketball fan’s heart race.
As the ball sailed, it was tipped mid-air but fortuitously landed in the hands of Amarr Knox, who stood just beneath the basket. With poise, Knox banked in a layup, securing Alabama State’s dramatic victory.
St. Francis managed a final attempt for glory, but their three-quarter court shot fell short as the buzzer sounded, sealing Alabama State’s fate as they advanced in the tournament.
Next on Alabama State’s agenda is a matchup against the formidable No. 1 seed, Auburn, in the Round of 64.
Trailing by as many as nine points earlier in the game, Alabama State showcased resilience. A three-pointer from Riley Parker with 1:12 remaining in the first half pushed the score to 37-28 in favor of St. Francis, but Alabama State narrowed the gap before halftime, finishing the first half down by just five points.
The second half saw St. Francis extend their lead to eight points again, but Alabama State displayed determination, managing to fight back and even gain a four-point lead in the closing moments.
With 40 seconds left, Chris Moncrief from St. Francis hit a crucial three-pointer, tying the game at 68. Subsequently, Alabama State’s TJ Madlock found himself at the free-throw line but missed a critical one-and-one opportunity. St. Francis capitalized on this slip, only to commit a turnover, setting the stage for the frantic final seconds.
Despite the challenges ahead, Alabama State’s players can take comfort in the fact that Auburn has faced difficulties recently, having lost three of their last four games after a strong start to the season with a record of 27-2.
In this drama-filled contest, Amarr Knox emerged as the standout player, leading Alabama State with 16 points. His performance was not only pivotal in securing this win but also served as a testament to the team’s fighting spirit.
As March Madness unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate whether Alabama State can carry this momentum forward into their next challenge against Auburn, a team with a proud history and high expectations.
The exhilarating nature of tournament play continues, and Alabama State’s stunning finish will be remembered as an early highlight of March Madness.
