HBCU Legends

Alabama State Shocks St. Francis, Advances To Clash With No. 1 Auburn

It's the first NCAA Tournament win in Alabama State history!

Kyle T. Mosley

Mar 18, 2025; Dayton, OH, USA; Alabama State Hornets guard Amarr Knox (1) celebrates in the second half against the St. Francis (Pa) Red Flash at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Mar 18, 2025; Dayton, OH, USA; Alabama State Hornets guard Amarr Knox (1) celebrates in the second half against the St. Francis (Pa) Red Flash at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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Just call it HBCU March Madness! Micah Simpson launched a pass from the opposite court, tipped by TJ Madlock to Amarr Knox, who made the layup with 0.7 seconds left on the clock, giving Alabama State a 70-68 victory over St. Francis in the NCAA First Four.

"We spend more time on situational stuff," Coach Tony Madlock told his victorious Hornets team. "Touchdown, great pass. We had to get it. We had to go win it, and all y'all, 'I want this ball.' I want this ball, and I gotta score this ball. Man, that's what you gotta do, man. That is a winning play. That is a winning pass. That's everything, man. Everything that we talk about. Then we ain't through. Let's keep playing. So proud. First tournament win in Alabama State history. "

Alabama State Defeats St. Francis
Mar 18, 2025; Dayton, OH, USA; The Alabama State Hornets celebrate a play in the second half against the St. Francis (Pa) Red Flash at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Knox led the Hornets with 16 points, going 8-of-15 from the field while grabbing two steals. TJ Madlock contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while CJ Hines scored 10 points and grabbed three rebounds in the win.

Alabama State is this season's Cardiac Kids with their late-game heroics down the stretch of the season, in the SWAC Tournament, and now at the NCAA Tourney. The victory was the first for Alabama State in the history of the Hornets men's basketball program.

ASU had a field goal shooting percentage of 42.9%, while St. Francis shot at 50.0%. The Hornets made only four attempts at the free-throw line, converting just 1 of those for a 25% success rate.

TJ Madlock Was Clutch
Mar 18, 2025; Dayton, OH, USA; Alabama State Hornets guard TJ Madlock (20) celebrates in the second half against the St. Francis (Pa) Red Flash at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Coach Madlock's team was more successful with three-point shots, hitting 31.0% of their attempts, going 9 for 29 from beyond the arc.

Valentino Pinedo led St. Francis with 17 points, two rebounds, and one steal.

The defensive pressure and length of Alabama State created 15 St. Francis turnovers compared to just six by the Hornets.

Alabama State will travel to Lexington, Kentucky, to play the No. 1 seed, Auburn, in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. During his career, Tony Madlock served as an assistant coach for the Auburn Tigers.

The Hornets love to take down the Tigers as they did with Grambling, Texas Southern, and Jackson State. Could Auburn be next to fall?

We shall see.

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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