If Tuesday night (March 18) was any indication of how March Madness is about to go, then we’re in for a treat. For the first time in program history, the Alabama State men’s basketball team—an HBCU—has won an NCAA Tournament game. The Hornets defeated St. Francis (PA) 70-68 with a miracle last-second layup by redshirt sophomore guard Amarr Knox, a moment that will be immortalized in Montgomery and beyond.

Beyond the immediate thrill of victory, this win carries significant implications, particularly for HBCU basketball, and even more specifically the SWAC. The NCAA Tournament isn’t merely a championship chase for the 68 teams that make the field—the Big Dance is a financial ecosystem. Each win generates revenue for a team’s conference, in this case, the SWAC, which comprises 12 HBCUs. That means additional funding for athletic programs, scholarships, and resources that extend well beyond the basketball court.

Per Sportico, the NCAA allocates a portion of its revenue to member conferences based on their schools' performance in the men’s basketball tournament. These payouts are determined by “units,” awarded for each game a team plays—excluding the National Championship but including the First Four. Each of the 132 available units is valued at approximately $2 million. The earnings, distributed by conferences over six years, provide financial support to member institutions. Here’s a breakdown:

It’s no secret—HBCUs have long operated at a structural disadvantage in college athletics, competing against programs with exponentially larger budgets and national TV deals. But in March, those disparities shrink. Every win by an HBCU disrupts the usual order, reminding the sport’s power brokers that talent exists outside of the high-major conferences. It forces networks to pay attention, analysts to recalibrate their narratives, and—most importantly—provides tangible financial benefits to institutions that need them.

For Alabama State, this isn’t just about one game. It’s about shifting perceptions and proving, in the most quantifiable way possible, that HBCUs belong in the broader college basketball conversation. This win gives Alabama State, and by extension, HBCU basketball, more of the respect it deserves.

And back in good ol’ Montgomery, don’t be surprised if the Hornets become the face of every advertisement in town, cashing in on local NIL deals and turning their one shining moment into a financial windfall.