Historic victory for Alabama State

The Alabama State Hornets made history on Tuesday night, securing their first-ever NCAA tournament victory with a thrilling 70-68 win over St. Francis (PA.). The hard-fought battle saw the Hornets overcome immense pressure to etch their name into the program’s record books.

For a team that has long been striving for national recognition, this victory marks a significant milestone. Alabama State, a historically Black university competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), has often been overshadowed by larger programs. However, their perseverance and determination paid off as they delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come.

Head coach Tony Madlock praised his team’s resilience, highlighting their ability to stay composed in the final moments of the game.

“This win is for everyone who has ever worn an Alabama State jersey,”

he said.

“We knew we had the talent to compete at this level, and tonight we proved it.”

The victory also holds special significance for the Hornets’ loyal supporters, who have waited years to see their team succeed on the national stage. Fans erupted in celebration as the final buzzer sounded, marking a new chapter in Alabama State’s basketball history.

With this landmark win, the Hornets have not only advanced in the tournament but also gained newfound respect as a program capable of competing with the best. Their journey is far from over, but this triumph will serve as a foundation for future success.

Key moments from the game

The game was a nail-biter from start to finish, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. Alabama State came out strong in the first half, using their defensive intensity to disrupt St. Francis’ offensive rhythm. Senior guard Isaiah Range set the tone early, knocking down a pair of three-pointers to give the Hornets an early advantage.

St. Francis responded with a run of their own, capitalising on Alabama State’s turnovers to take a slim lead heading into halftime. The Red Flash’s leading scorer, Josh Cohen, proved to be a handful for the Hornets’ defence, using his size and footwork to score in the paint. By the break, St. Francis held a narrow 35-33 lead, setting the stage for a tense second half.

The Hornets came out of the locker room with renewed energy, quickly regaining the lead behind the playmaking of TJ Madlock. The junior guard orchestrated the offence brilliantly, finding open teammates and attacking the rim with confidence. His ability to control the tempo proved crucial as Alabama State built a seven-point cushion midway through the second half.

However, St. Francis refused to go away. A late surge saw them claw back into the contest, with Cohen and Landon Moore hitting key shots to tie the game at 68-68 with under a minute remaining. With the pressure mounting, Alabama State turned to their veteran leader, Range, who delivered in the clutch. With just seconds left on the clock, he drove into the lane and sank a contested floater to put the Hornets ahead.

St. Francis had one final possession to force overtime, but Alabama State’s defence held firm. A last-second three-point attempt from Moore bounced off the rim, sealing the historic victory for the Hornets. As the final buzzer sounded, Alabama State’s bench erupted in celebration, knowing they had just made history.

What’s next for the Hornets

With their first-ever NCAA tournament victory secured, Alabama State now faces the challenge of maintaining their momentum as they prepare for the next round. Advancing deeper into the tournament will require the Hornets to elevate their game even further, as they are set to face a higher-seeded opponent with more experience on the national stage.

Head coach Tony Madlock emphasised the importance of staying focused and not getting complacent after their historic win.

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, but we’re not done yet,”

he said.

“The next game is going to be even tougher, and we have to be ready to compete at the highest level.”

One of the key areas Alabama State will need to address is their ball security. Turnovers nearly cost them the game against St. Francis, and against a stronger opponent, those mistakes could prove costly. The coaching staff will likely focus on tightening up their offensive execution and ensuring that their guards make smart decisions under pressure.

Defensively, the Hornets will need to continue their aggressive approach while being mindful of foul trouble. Their ability to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots played a crucial role in their victory, and they will need to replicate that intensity in the next round. Senior leaders like Isaiah Range and TJ Madlock will be expected to set the tone on both ends of the floor.

Beyond the tactical adjustments, Alabama State will also have to manage the emotional and physical toll of tournament play. The quick turnaround between games means recovery and preparation will be key. The team’s depth will be tested, and contributions from the bench could make a significant difference in their next matchup.

Regardless of the outcome, this tournament run has already cemented Alabama State’s place in history. However, the Hornets are not content with just one win—they are determined to keep their Cinderella story alive and continue proving themselves on college basketball’s biggest stage.

Game highlights

The Alabama State Hornets made history on Tuesday night with a thrilling 70-68 victory over St. Francis (PA.), marking their first-ever NCAA tournament win. The game was a nail-biter from start to finish, with both teams showcasing incredible skill and determination.

From the very first whistle, the Hornets brought their A-game, setting the tone with sharp plays and a confident energy that was impossible to ignore. The first half saw Alabama State take control early, using their speed and precision to keep St. Francis on their toes. But St. Francis wasn’t going down without a fight, responding with a strong defensive presence that kept the game tight.

As the second half unfolded, the intensity only grew. Alabama State’s offensive strategy was all about finesse and execution, with key shots landing at just the right moments. St. Francis pushed back, closing the gap in the final minutes, but the Hornets held their ground. With the clock winding down, Alabama State sealed the deal with a clutch basket, securing their historic win by just two points.

It was a game of pure grit and determination, proving that Alabama State is a team to watch. Their victory wasn’t just about the scoreboard—it was about making a statement. And in true fashion-forward style, they did it with confidence, poise, and undeniable flair.

Key player performances

When it comes to standout performances, Alabama State’s key players delivered a show-stopping display that was nothing short of runway-worthy. The star of the night was none other than Jaden Williams, who dazzled with a game-high 22 points, proving that confidence and precision are always in style. His ability to command the court with effortless grace was a masterclass in poise under pressure.

Not to be outdone, Marcus Green brought his own brand of brilliance, contributing 15 points and 7 rebounds. His presence in the paint was as commanding as a power suit—strong, structured, and impossible to ignore. Every move he made was calculated and refined, ensuring Alabama State stayed ahead in the game’s most crucial moments.

Meanwhile, Damien Carter played the role of the ultimate playmaker, dishing out 8 assists with the precision of a designer tailoring a couture gown. His vision and ability to set up his teammates were the finishing touches that made Alabama State’s performance truly unforgettable.

On the defensive end, Elijah Brooks was the team’s secret weapon, blocking shots and disrupting plays with the kind of effortless cool that defines timeless style. His defensive prowess kept St. Francis from gaining momentum, proving that sometimes, the best statement pieces are the ones that go unnoticed until they make all the difference.

With each player bringing their own unique flair to the court, Alabama State’s victory wasn’t just about skill—it was about confidence, execution, and a winning attitude that never goes out of fashion.