The Alabama State Hornets made history on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, by picking up their first-ever win in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, defeating Saint Francis (PA) 70-68. This momentous victory secured them a spot in the first round where they were set to face the No. 1 seed, Auburn Tigers. The game was a nail-biter, with guard Amarr Knox sealing the win by scoring the final basket with a Hail Mary shot in the last seconds.
As March Madness swept across America, Auburn prepared to continue its journey for a national championship against Alabama State on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. The matchup against the Hornets marked a critical moment in Auburn's season, following their disappointment in being bounced in the first round by No. 13 Yale in the previous year’s tournament.
The Alabama State Hornets traveled to Lexington energized by their historic win. Fans were eager to support their team as they headed into a daunting matchup against the Tigers, who were favored heavily, leading the all-time series 6-0 before the game.
On the day of the game, a palpable tension filled the air as the Hornets and Tigers prepared to battle it out. Auburn, with a reputation for strong performances, came in expecting to assert their dominance. The game started at 2:50 p.m. ET and was broadcast live on CBS, with the action also available for streaming on Paramount+.
As the game commenced, Auburn jumped out to an 18-8 lead early on, showcasing their strength and skill. Miles Kelly was quick to become a standout player, sinking multiple three-pointers to establish an early offensive rhythm. In the first half, Auburn led 41-31 by the halftime break, but Alabama State kept the game competitive, benefitting from a brief 9-0 run that cut deep into Auburn's lead.
Halftime stats revealed Alabama State’s resilience. They entered the locker room with Amarr Knox leading their scoring with 9 points, while Auburn’s Kelly topped the stats with 15 points. Despite trailing, Alabama State was shooting well, particularly beyond the arc, showing promise for a potential comeback.
However, as the second half unfolded, Auburn regained control, outscoring Alabama State significantly. During the second half, streaks of efficient play from the Tigers, including a stretch where they scored 17 out of 24, propelled them to build a solid lead. The Hornets struggled to maintain momentum as Auburn extended their lead to 58-38.
Auburn’s dominant performance continued throughout the second half, leading to a crushing 83-63 victory. Miles Kelly finished the game with a game-high 23 points, outperforming Alabama State’s top scorer Amarr Knox, who finished with 16 points. The Auburn Tigers displayed a robust, well-rounded performance that exemplified both their offensive depth and defensive capabilities.
Aside from the game’s outcome, the injury of Auburn's forward Chris Moore added a layer of concern. Moore rolled his ankle during the first half while attempting a layup. Although he was seen on an exercise bike later in the game, his inability to continue play shortly after his injury created uncertainty regarding his recovery moving forward in the tournament.
No doubts were spared from Auburn’s mindset; they were focused on their mission. AP All-American Johni Broome emphasized the importance of stepping up during high-stakes moments. “It’s win or go home,” Broome remarked. “If you’re not willing to step up and play your best basketball now, then why are you playing?”
With this victory, Auburn advanced to the round of 32, where they were set to face Creighton, who had previously defeated No. 8 seed Louisville. Meanwhile, Alabama State’s run ended here, but not without the pride of achieving their first NCAA tournament win just two days before.
The triumph by Alabama State marks a significant milestone in the history of the program, further igniting their ambitions for future tournaments. Despite the loss in their matchup against Auburn, the Hornets have a lot to look forward to moving ahead.
As the tournament progresses, fans and players alike will continue to follow the path of both Auburn and Alabama State, reflecting the spirit of March Madness – where dreams become realities and underdogs make historic strides forward.
