The madness has arrived: Alabama State wins opening game of tourney on last-second shot
Move over, Christian Laettner — you have some company.
Alabama State took down St. Francis (PA), 70-68, thanks to a made layup off a Hail Mary pass in the final second in the first game of the 2025 NCAA men's basketball tournament. After Alabama State got the ball back under its own basket with 3.4 seconds remaining, guard Micah Simpson threw a pass that traveled beyond the opposing free-throw line.
Unlike Laettner's memorable Hail Mary, though, the pass wasn't cleanly got. The ball ricocheted off a player and found the hands of Alabama State guard Amarr Knox. Knox slightly bobbled the ball, but he was right under the rim. He tossed the ball off the backboard and in, giving Alabama State a two-point lead with a second remaining.
St. Francis' ensuing Hail Mary attempt fell short. Following a timeout, guard Chris Moncrief's three-quarters court-length shot fell short, giving Alabama State the victory.
Alabama State's reward for taking down St. Francis is a tough one. The No. 16 seed will take on No. 1 seed Auburn in the Round of 64 on Thursday. The Tigers earned the top-overall seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
This is a developing story.
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