SAN ANTONIO - The Final Four is tipping off this weekend in San Antonio, and for many players, this marks their first experience in the iconic Alamodome. However, for Houston Cougars' Terrance Arceneaux, this venue holds a special place in his heart. Arceneaux's most memorable athletic moment took place in this very arena when he led his Beaumont United team to victory in the Texas 5A State Title game against Dallas Kimball on March 12, 2021.
In a thrilling finish, Kimball was ahead 64-61 with just eight seconds remaining. After a missed free throw, Beaumont United secured the rebound and pushed the ball down the court, where Arceneaux delivered a game-tying shot, sending the game into overtime. With only four seconds left in overtime and United trailing 70-68, Arceneaux struck again, sinking a three-pointer to clinch the state title for his team, 71-70. This victory was the first of back-to-back titles for Beaumont United in the Alamodome.
"I been hearing about it a lot," Arceneaux, now a redshirt sophomore for the Houston Cougars, shared. "A lot of people have been bringing it up so I feel good. I'm just happy to be here in the Final Four no matter where it is. But for it to be here is a little bit special for me." His teammates are keeping him grounded, with graduate student LJ Cryer admitting, "I honestly thought that he only won one, I did not know that he won two so I am definitely going to give him some crap now, though."
Arceneaux is determined to make the most of his opportunity to win a third title in the Alamodome, emphasizing, "Like I said, it's going to be special and it's going to hold a special place in my heart." Houston coach Kelvin Sampson recognizes Arceneaux’s significant role in the team’s success this season. "Terrance is a huge, huge part of our success this year for sure," he said. "He is just a really good basketball player and he has bailed us out a lot of nights." With the Cougars set to face the Duke Blue Devils in front of a capacity crowd of 70,000 fans, Arceneaux's experience in the Alamodome could prove invaluable.
Meanwhile, the Auburn Tigers are preparing to take on the Florida Gators in the other Final Four matchup. Auburn's Miles Kelly enters this high-stakes game averaging 11.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. Kelly, who previously played at Georgia Tech, has experience competing in large venues, such as the JMA Wireless Dome, which seats 33,000 fans. "I was at Georgia Tech for three years, so every year we had to go to Syracuse, and every year I had one of my best games there," Kelly reflected, recalling a season-high 30-point performance in a 96-76 victory at Syracuse last season.
The Alamodome, with a capacity of about 70,000, presents a different challenge, but Kelly is ready for it. "Just staying aggressive is going to be the main thing for us," he stated. "I want to make my presence felt and make their guards uncomfortable on defense." Auburn's Final Four game against Florida is scheduled to tip off at 5:09 PM on Saturday and will be broadcast on CBS.
The atmosphere in San Antonio is electric as fans from both teams fill the Alamodome, eagerly awaiting the semifinal matchups. The Florida Gators, led by head coach Todd Golden, are looking to make a statement against Auburn, while the Tigers aim to secure their place in the championship game. The excitement is palpable as both teams warm up, with Florida Gators fans posing for photos and cheering in anticipation of the game.
As the teams prepare for battle, the Gators huddle up for final instructions, while Auburn players are focused on executing their game plan. The players are aware that the stakes are high, and every possession will count in this critical matchup.
With the game about to begin, the Alamodome is alive with the sounds of cheerleaders performing and fans chanting. Both teams are ready to leave it all on the court, knowing that victory in the Final Four means a shot at the national championship.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, anticipation builds. The Florida Gators and Auburn Tigers are set to clash in what promises to be an unforgettable showdown in the heart of Texas. Fans are on the edge of their seats, ready to witness history in the making.
With the Final Four upon us, the excitement of college basketball reaches its peak as teams vie for a chance to compete for the national title. Who will emerge victorious in San Antonio? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the drama of March Madness is alive and well.
