Alabama State guard Micah Simpson was a grade school quarterback.
So, it was a no-brainer that he was the perfect player to be called upon to throw a near fullcourt pass in a late-game situation, right?
Not so much.
It wasn’t until January that Simpson, despite his football background, was chosen by Hornets head coach Tony Madlock to execute the Hail Mary.
However, Simpson — affectionately called Deuce — delivered on Tuesday night with 3.4 seconds left in regulation against Saint Francis. Multiple players deflected his heave before it ended up in the hands of Amarr Knox who scored with one second on the clock to give Alabama State a 70-68 win.
“Yeah, he’s definitely our quarterback,” said Knox after the game about the pass that was originally intended for forward Jasteven Walker. “He makes that pass on the money all the time in practice. It was perfect today.”
ALABAMA STATE TAKES A LEAD IN THE FINAL SECOND 😱#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/TktQHBcwo9
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2025
Madlock said the Hornets usually simulate end-of-game situations after each practice, including taking half-court shots. However, Tuesday’s scenario required a long pass, he said.
“So we know with three seconds you’ve got two good dribbles and then get it up. But we decided to go with that one today,” he said.
Said TJ Madlock, the son of Tony Madlock about the outcome:
Just keep dancing 🕺#SWARMAS1 | @MarchMadnessMBB pic.twitter.com/OEUU7YtXk8
— Bama State Athletics (@BamaStateSports) March 19, 2025
“But hey, it’s March Madness, anything can happen.”
The shot not only resulted in the Hornets winning their first-ever NCAA Tournament game but also earned the program six figures.
