Welcome to March Madness, Alabama State basketball.

The Hornets, whose head coach is former Memphis Tiger Tony Madlock, beat Saint Francis 70-68 Tuesday in a First Four game. Alabama State will face No. 1 overall seed Auburn in Lexington Thursday (1:50 p.m.).

It is the first NCAA tournament win in Alabama State history. The Hornets (20-15), which advanced to the Big Dance after winning the SWAC tournament last week, were 0-4 all-time in March Madness games before knocking off the Red Flash (16-18).

“Memphis, stand up, baby!” Madlock said during a postgame television interview.

Former Bartlett star Amarr Knox led Alabama State with 16 points and provided the game-winning bucket as time expired. Former Houston standout TJ Madlock − Tony’s son − put up 11 points and had seven rebounds.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Madlock, a Memphis native who played alongside current Tigers coach Penny Hardaway at then-Memphis State (1988-92), became the Hornets’ coach in 2022. A veteran coach, Madlock previously served as an assistant coach under Hardaway from 2018 to 2021.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at [email protected], follow him @munzly on X, and sign up for the Memphis Basketball Insider text group.