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Texas A&M-Corpus Christi defeated Southeaster Missouri State 75-71 in their First Four matchup to advance to the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Islanders will face off against the Alabama Crimson Tide (29-5), the tournament's No. 1 overall seed, in the first round on Thursday.
The Islanders (24-10) played without guard Terrion Murdix, who was the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He was ruled out because of a knee injury, but still cheered on the sidelines despite being on crunches.
Jalen Jackson led the way for the Southland Conference champions with 22 points, six rebounds and two assists. Isaac Mushila added 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Ross Williams scored 13 points off the bench.
Chris Harris led the Redhawks (19-17) with 23 points, while Phillip Russell contributed 15 points and 10 assists. SEMO was the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament champion after upsetting No. 1 Morehead State in the semifinals and No. 2 Tennessee Tech in the final.
It was a frustrating game for both teams due to the number of fouls called. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi went to the free throw line 35 times, while the Redhawks shot 20 free throws. However, SEMO only made eight free throws, which might be the difference maker in the game.
Nevertheless, fans were frustrated with the officiating of the first game of March Madness. Some are hoping that it won't carry on into the rest of the tournament, while others are hoping for the Islanders to upset Alabama.
Here are some of the comments on Twitter:
Can Texas A&M-Corpus Christi upset Alabama in the first round?
Alabama will have its hands full in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Crimson Tide will take on the reigning back-to-back Southland Conference champions on Thursday at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Crimson Tide will look to star freshman Brandon Miller to lead them to March Madness glory. Miller has been one of the best players in college basketball this season, averaging 19.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 34 games.
Miller is also a projected lottery pick in this year's NBA draft behind Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson. This is despite the controversy surrounding him over the past few months.
Miller transported a gun used in the January murder of Jamea Jonae Harris. According to a statement from Miller's attorney, Miller was unaware the gun was in the backseat of his car. Darius Miles, who owned the gun, allegedly gave the weapon to Michael Lynn Davis, who allegedly shot Harris. Miles has been dismissed from the team, and both men have been indicted on capital murder charges.
On the other hand, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is under no pressure given its underdog status. They boast a great offense, averaging 80.4 points this season. The Islanders are also on a hot streak, winning 13 out of their last 14 games. The Islanders are +2500 to upset Alabama in the first round.
