Alabama State kicked off March Madness with a thrilling last-second victory, edging out St. Francis (Pa.) 70-68. The game, part of the First Four matchups, delivered an unforgettable finish.
With just 3.4 seconds remaining and the score tied at 68, Micah Simpson launched a full-court pass that was tipped but fortuitously landed with Amarr Knox, who scored the winning layup. St. Francis had a final chance, but their long-range shot missed the mark.
The win sets Alabama State up for a challenging game against top-seeded Auburn in the Round of 64. Despite trailing by nine points late in the first half, Alabama State managed to narrow the gap to five by halftime. Although St. Francis extended their lead to eight early in the second half, Alabama State fought back to take a four-point lead with just over a minute left.
St. Francis tied the game with a three-pointer by Chris Moncrief, but a turnover in the final seconds paved the way for Alabama State's dramatic finish. Amarr Knox, who scored 16 points, was the standout player for Alabama State.
Looking ahead, Alabama State might find some hope in Auburn's recent struggles, as Auburn has lost three of their last four games after a strong start to the season.