Saint Francis (PA) and Alabama State to Face Off in the First Four: A Crucial Clash for Postseason Glory

As the 2024 NCAA Tournament gets underway, basketball fans are gearing up for an exciting and unpredictable postseason. Among the many intriguing matchups, one stands out as a critical contest in the First Four: Saint Francis (PA) and Alabama State. This game marks the beginning of the journey for two underdog programs, each with its own unique story and set of challenges. The First Four, which takes place in Dayton, Ohio, serves as the starting point for teams looking to advance to the full bracket of the NCAA Tournament, and this contest will be no different.

Saint Francis (PA) and Alabama State are not the perennial powerhouses that dominate the college basketball landscape, but they have each earned their spot in the tournament through hard work, resilience, and determination. In this article, we will explore the significance of the matchup between Saint Francis (PA) and Alabama State in the First Four, take a deeper look at each team’s season, analyze the key players to watch, and assess the broader implications for both programs as they strive for postseason success.

The First Four: An Opportunity for Redemption

The First Four is a unique aspect of the NCAA Tournament, allowing the “last four” teams in the field of 68, based on their seeding and overall performance, to square off in a single-elimination format. The First Four serves as an introduction to the larger tournament, but it also provides the teams involved with an invaluable opportunity to prove themselves on the national stage. For underdog programs like Saint Francis (PA) and Alabama State, this is a chance to show the basketball world that they belong, and that they are capable of making a deeper run.

Winning this opening game is critical for both teams. Not only will the victor advance to the next round of the NCAA Tournament, but they will also gain confidence and momentum that could help them on their journey. On the other hand, losing in the First Four would mean the end of the season for one team, and a bitter disappointment after all the hard work put in during the regular season. For both teams, the First Four represents the starting point of their dreams for postseason glory.

Saint Francis (PA): A Season of Perseverance

Saint Francis (PA) entered the 2024-2025 season with something to prove. The Red Flash, a member of the Northeast Conference (NEC), faced the daunting challenge of competing against teams in more prominent conferences. But under the guidance of head coach Rob Krimmel, Saint Francis (PA) was determined to show that it could hang with the best. The Red Flash’s campaign was one marked by ups and downs, with moments of brilliance as well as struggles. Despite the occasional inconsistency, the team managed to finish with a respectable record, and it was their gritty play and determination that earned them a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Saint Francis (PA) finished the season with an overall record of 22-11, which included notable victories over teams in their conference and non-conference games that demonstrated their potential. As the NEC champions, the Red Flash earned an automatic bid to the tournament, but their journey to this point was far from easy. They faced several challenges during the regular season, including injuries to key players and tough road games against higher-seeded teams. However, they were able to push through these obstacles and secure a place in the First Four, thanks to their strong play in the conference tournament.

The Red Flash’s success has been built on a well-rounded team effort. On offense, they rely on a balanced attack that includes scoring from multiple players, with the team’s offense often flowing through their talented guards and forwards. The Red Flash are known for their physicality and aggressive defense, traits that have helped them overcome their underdog status and compete with higher-ranked teams. Now, in the First Four, Saint Francis (PA) will need to dig deep into their skill set and use their determination to overcome Alabama State.

Alabama State: A Team on the Rise

Alabama State’s basketball program has seen its fair share of struggles, but under head coach Mo Williams, the Hornets have experienced a significant turnaround. After a season of growth and improvement, Alabama State enters the 2024 NCAA Tournament with a lot of momentum. The Hornets are no strangers to the First Four, having made a strong showing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), but this year, they are primed to take a significant leap forward.

Alabama State’s record of 20-12 this season included some impressive victories against both conference and non-conference opponents. The Hornets’ success was not only due to their individual talent but also their ability to come together as a team, playing an unselfish brand of basketball that was effective both offensively and defensively. Much like Saint Francis (PA), Alabama State’s ability to play as a cohesive unit has been a key factor in their success.

Led by standout players, including the dynamic guard Trey Thomas, Alabama State has grown into a formidable team in the SWAC. Their offensive game, fueled by Thomas’ playmaking ability and scoring, has been particularly impressive, but their defense has also been a major strength. Alabama State ranks highly in steals and defensive rebounds, giving them the edge in transition and allowing them to dictate the pace of the game. With Williams at the helm, the Hornets are not just a team to be respected—they are a team to be feared.

While the Hornets earned an automatic bid to the tournament after a strong showing in the SWAC tournament, they too must now prove themselves on the national stage. Their First Four matchup with Saint Francis (PA) represents an opportunity for Alabama State to show that their season was not just a flash in the pan, but the beginning of something much bigger. A win over the Red Flash would set the stage for a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament and would signal to the basketball world that Alabama State is ready to compete with the best.

Key Players to Watch

As the two teams prepare to face off, there are several key players whose performances will likely determine the outcome of the game.

• Jalen Johnson (Saint Francis PA): A junior guard and the primary offensive threat for the Red Flash, Johnson’s ability to score and facilitate will be crucial in this matchup. Known for his smooth shooting stroke and basketball IQ, Johnson can break down defenses with his quickness and decision-making. He will need to lead the charge for Saint Francis (PA) and set the tone early on.
• Trey Thomas (Alabama State): As one of the most dynamic players in the SWAC, Trey Thomas has the potential to put up big numbers in this game. A versatile guard, Thomas can score in a variety of ways and is also an excellent playmaker. His ability to control the game and create opportunities for his teammates will be crucial in helping Alabama State advance.
• Isaiah Blackwell (Saint Francis PA): A forward who provides the Red Flash with scoring in the paint, Blackwell is known for his rebounding and his ability to finish around the rim. His physicality in the paint will be important against Alabama State’s defense, and his ability to dominate the boards could help Saint Francis (PA) get extra possessions.
• Tariq Smith (Alabama State): A senior forward who has been a consistent presence for Alabama State, Smith has a nose for the ball and is capable of providing a spark on both ends of the floor. His size and defensive prowess make him a key factor in slowing down Saint Francis (PA)’s offense and limiting their second-chance opportunities.

Game Keys for Saint Francis (PA) and Alabama State

For both teams, there are several factors that will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this game.

Saint Francis (PA) Keys to Victory:

• Offensive Balance: Saint Francis (PA) must remain balanced on offense. While Jalen Johnson is the focal point of the offense, they need contributions from other players, such as Blackwell and their shooters, to spread the floor and make things difficult for Alabama State’s defense.
• Defensive Consistency: The Red Flash must continue to play their trademark defense. Alabama State has a high-powered offense, so Saint Francis (PA) will need to disrupt the flow of the Hornets’ offense, particularly in transition, where Alabama State excels.
• Limiting Turnovers: Saint Francis (PA) must protect the ball. Alabama State thrives on turnovers, creating fast-break opportunities. If Saint Francis (PA) is able to execute clean possessions and minimize mistakes, they will be in a strong position.

Alabama State Keys to Victory:

• Trey Thomas’ Playmaking: Trey Thomas is the engine that drives Alabama State’s offense, and he must be the one to control the game. If he is able to break down Saint Francis (PA)’s defense, create open shots for his teammates, and score efficiently, Alabama State will have a good chance to win.
• Rebounding and Defensive Energy: Alabama State needs to win the rebounding battle, especially on the offensive glass. Second-chance points could be a game-changer. Additionally, their defense must stifle Saint Francis (PA)’s shooters, forcing them into contested shots and not allowing easy transition opportunities.
• Depth and Rotation: The Hornets must use their depth to wear down Saint Francis (PA). They need to rotate fresh legs into the game to maintain defensive intensity and make the Red Flash uncomfortable.

The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake

For both Saint Francis (PA) and Alabama State, this game represents a chance to make history. A win in the First Four would not only propel the team forward in the NCAA Tournament but also serve as a statement about the programs’ future. Success in this game could lead to greater recruiting opportunities, increased fan support, and a more prominent place in the college basketball landscape.

In many ways, this game encapsulates the beauty of March Madness: the underdogs, the overlooked programs, and the teams that are often seen as “just happy to be there” have the chance to defy expectations and prove they belong. For Saint Francis (PA) and Alabama State, this is more than just a game—it’s an opportunity to change the trajectory of their programs.