DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — In a thrilling kickoff to the NCAA Tournament's First Four games on March 18, 2025, North Carolina and Alabama State both made headlines for their remarkable performances and unforgettable moments. RJ Davis led the Tar Heels with 26 points, shooting a perfect 6 of 6 from beyond the arc as they decisively defeated San Diego State, 95-68. Meanwhile, Alabama State clinched its first NCAA Tournament win, requiring a last-second layup from Amarr Knox to secure a 70-68 victory over Saint Francis (PA).
For North Carolina, a team that faced skepticism over its tournament selection just days prior, the victory over San Diego State offered a chance to silence doubts. “We know we deserved to be here,” said junior guard Seth Trimble, capturing the team's confidence despite having a tumultuous season. Coach Hubert Davis focused on the need for his players to ignore external noise and stick to their game plan. “It’s not the noise on the outside in terms of comments and critics. Focusing on our preparation, our practice, and our play,” Davis emphasized.
The Tar Heels erupted in the first half, shooting an impressive 61% with a record 14 three-pointers for an NCAA Tournament game. This offensive display was highlighted by RJ Davis's deep three-pointer just before the halftime buzzer, escalating their lead to 47-23. “I think we did a good job of sticking to our game plan and playing Carolina basketball,” he stated, indicating how well they executed their principles on both ends of the floor.
Seth Trimble also performed admirably, contributing 16 points, while San Diego State's Nick Boyd and Wayne McKinney III matched each other with 12 points apiece in a disappointing outing. The Aztecs, known for their stingy defense as they led the nation in field goal percentage defense, were unable to contain the Tar Heels, ultimately allowing more points than they had throughout the entire season, surpassing the previous high of 80 points given up in a loss to Gonzaga in November.
In a contrasting narrative, Alabama State found glory in a dramatic finish against Saint Francis (PA). With just one second left on the clock, Amarr Knox scored a decisive layup, pushing the Hornets to a thrilling win. Sporting a record of 20-15, they celebrated this victory as a significant achievement in their fifth NCAA Tournament appearance. “You just said it: March Madness,” remarked coach Tony Madlock, encapsulating the intense excitement of the moment.
The game turned chaotic near the end, with both teams battling fiercely. Micah Octave's steal and subsequent dunk gave Alabama State a brief four-point lead with under two minutes remaining. However, Saint Francis fought back, tying the game at 68 behind Chris Moncrief's crucial three-pointer. Despite their effort, they could not handle the late pressure, committing 15 turnovers in the game, which proved detrimental, providing Alabama State with 26 points from those mistakes.
Knox praised their tenacity, expressing, “We stayed positive. We knew as soon as the next half started that we would come out, fly around, play aggressive and just do whatever it takes to win the game.” Their determination led to a last-gasp opportunity where an errant throw from Micah Simpson deflected off a teammate directly into Knox’s hands for the game-winning shot.
Saint Francis, which entered the tournament with a losing record as the 19th team to do so, was left to reflect on an admirable season despite the disappointment of their exit. Their coach Rob Krimmel articulated pride in his team’s efforts, stating, “These guys for 34 games left it all out on the court for us... They’re champions, and nothing can take that away from our group.”
With North Carolina triumphing over San Diego State and Alabama State achieving a historic win against Saint Francis, the stage was set for an exciting NCAA Tournament filled with potential and higher stakes. North Carolina, with a record of 23-13, advances to face No. 6 seed Mississippi in a South Region matchup, while Alabama State aims to utilize their momentum against top seed Auburn on March 20 in Lexington, Kentucky. The anticipation builds as fans eagerly await more exhilarating moments as March Madness unfolds.
