An Alabama student hit a half-court shot at the buzzer to win $19K on College GameDay

If Sister Jean sitting courtside for Loyola’s first victory over a ranked opponent since 2021 — or Mattress Mack’s latest million-dollar wager on Houston — doesn’t have you convinced that March Madness has already begun, then Saturday’s edition of College GameDay live from Tuscaloosa should help get you there.

Before the No. 14 Crimson Tide host No. 4 Tennessee on Saturday evening, ESPN’s flagship college basketball show set up shop in Coleman Coliseum and dared a student to hit a half-court shot to win $19,000.

Not only was Avyion Cooley up to the task, he did it in dramatic fashion — sinking the shot at the very last second to earn the cash and send the arena into a frenzy.

Avyion Cooley with the half-court shot at the last second for $19K #CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/rFnjITsdQ2

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) March 2, 2024

Yeah, this is about as March as it gets.