CJ Hines scored 20 points and No. 5 seed Alabama State pulled away late to beat No. 2 seed Jackson State 60-56 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament championship and clinched its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2011.

With its 60-56 win over Jackson State in Saturday's SWAC Tournament, Alabama State basketball is heading to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 14 years.

Alabama State faced a tough challenge in the 2025 SWAC Tournament, but the Hornets defeated Jackson State and former ASU head coach Mo Williams with a score of 60-56 to become conference champions. Senior guard CJ Hines,

NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament kicks off on Tuesday, March 18 with the First Four and a matchup between St. Francis and Alabama State.

NCAA Tournament begins Tuesday from Dayton, Ohio, with two First Four games. The fun begins when No. 16 seed Saint Francis faces No. 16 seed Alabama State. The winner of that game will face No. 1 overall seed Auburn on Thursday in the first round.