The 2025 NCAA Tournament kicks off with the First Four in Dayton, Ohio. No. 16 seeds Alabama State and St. Francis (PA) will face off on Tuesday with a chance to play the number one overall seed in the tournament, Auburn. With the stakes high, both teams bring their A-game to potentially secure a spot against Auburn in the South Region’s first round. But who has the edge, and how should you place your bet on this thrilling opening game?
St. Francis Vs. Alabama State NCAA Tournament Matchup
- Date: Tuesday, March 18th
- Game Time: 6:40 PM EST
- Venue: UD Arena
- How to Watch (TV): truTV
- Alabama State: 19-15
- Saint Francis (PA) Record: 16-17
Alabama State, with a record of 19-15, is determined to make an early statement. Their run in the SWAC Tournament was led by the senior guard CJ Hines. The Hornets display a tenacious defense that excels in applying ball pressure, a quality they’re looking to capitalize on against Saint Francis. Hines, who averages 14.4 points per game, brings both experience and a hot hand from the perimeter, shooting 38% from beyond the arc this season. His playmaking and scoring abilities are crucial for Alabama State, making him a key player to watch.
On the other side, St. Francis (PA) enters with a 16-17 record, leaning on the burgeoning talent of freshman Juan Cranford. Cranford has been a revelation, consistently hitting multiple three-pointers in their NEC Tournament victories. With a shooting accuracy of 37% from deep, he remains a vital threat for the Red Flash. His shooting has been infectious. The team has a field goal percentage of 46.1% and an impressive recent form of shooting 47.5% from the field in the last 10 games. However, St. Francis faces a tough challenge in contending with the Hornet’s aggressive defense, especially given their struggles with dribble penetration and turnover issues.
Prediction
Alabama State’s recent hot streak, marked by a seven-out-of-eight game-winning finish in the regular season and a strong tournament performance, gives them the edge. Their impressive ball-handling skills and ability to dictate fast-paced play could unsettle St. Francis, who might struggle with the tempo and defensive pressure. The Red Flash average 12.2 turnovers per game. Shooting is the great equalizer in basketball, but I believe the Hornets create enough turnovers to win.
March Madness is upon us! The NCAA Tournament is one of the most exciting sports events of the year. Don’t let these First Four matchups pass you by. In the past few years, there have been some classics, getting the excitement for the tournament kicked off early. The 16 seeds have also become more interesting in the past few years as we’ve seen some historic upsets. It’s the Hornets and the Red Flash on Tuesday night for a spot in the first round!
