The excitement is palpable as March Madness returns, bringing with it the annual quest for glory in college basketball. This year's NCAA Tournament kicks off with a thrilling First Four matchup between the No. 16 St. Francis Red Flash and the No. 16 Alabama State Hornets, both vying for the chance to take on the formidable No. 1 Auburn Tigers in the next round.
The game is set for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 6:40 p.m. ET, taking place at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. St. Francis, hailing from Loretto, Pennsylvania, holds a record of 16-17, while their opponents, Alabama State, come in boasting a record of 19-15. What makes this matchup even more compelling is not just the stakes but the journeys of these two underdog teams, both of which have overcome significant hurdles to reach this moment.
St. Francis is venturing into the NCAA Tournament for only the second time in its program history, the last being in 1991 when they suffered a first-round defeat to Arizona. This year, the Red Flash have shown tremendous resilience, managing to win their last three games—all in overtime—en route to securing their spot in the tournament.
As junior guard Riley Parker notes, “It’s a real team-based team. We probably go to one of the smallest Division I schools in America. We don’t have all the glitz and glamour of all the high Division I schools out here, but we embrace that.” Parker carries the weight of team spirit as he leads his squad into battle. Another noteworthy player is Juan Cranford Jr., the conference tournament MVP, who hails from Dayton and brings local support to the Red Flash.
Head coach Rob Krimmel, a loyal alum of the university with a long history at St. Francis, reflects on the journey in a heartfelt manner. He shares, “We grow up dreaming of this moment. It escaped me as a player. It escaped me as an assistant coach, and three times as a head coach, it had escaped us (in the tournament finals).” His commitment to the program and the development of players without the lure of NIL deals showcases the dedication within this close-knit team.
The St. Francis Red Flash contrasts sharply with Alabama State, who brings a slightly different story. With a slightly larger program and a more established presence in their conference, the Hornets are favored to win by 4 points. Nevertheless, as Krimmel asserts, “There’s a purity to that,” highlighting that winning is not just about resources but about heart and teamwork.
Meanwhile, Alabama State has established itself as a competitive force, aiming for a solid performance this round. They average 73.4 points per game, outperforming the Red Flash, who yield an average of 71.6 points. And with standout performances from players like CJ Hines, who scores an average of 14.4 points per game, Alabama State is looking to maintain that momentum.
Fans are anticipating a thrilling game, not just for the numbers on the court but for what these teams represent: determination against the odds. In a world dominated by NIL deals and high stakes, St. Francis’s humble background adds another layer to their narrative. “We just want to keep making history and put the middle of nowhere on the map, really,” Parker concludes, cementing their intent to establish their identity in this tournament.
Bets are already in motion, with Alabama State holding a slight edge. Reports indicate they are a 4-point favorite, and projections suggest a close game, with numbers favoring Alabama State slightly by a predicted score of 72-70, yet the potential for St. Francis to pull off an upset exists. As the excitement builds, college basketball aficionados await to witness which team will carve their name into the annals of March Madness history.
