Alabama State kicked off the 2025 edition of March Madness with a thrilling 70-68 win over Saint Francis (PA) in the First Four of the men’s basketball tournament Tuesday night in Dayton, Ohio.

March has officially begun, courtesy of Alabama State in the First Four. The Hornets notched their first NCAA tournament win in program history on Tuesday with a football pass-turned-tip-drill-turned-lay-up from Amarr Knox, who put them ahead 70-68 over St. Francis with an assist from Micah Simpson.

Analyzing Thursday’s Alabama State vs. Auburn odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.