The NCAA Tournament is officially underway, bringing fans excitement as the Alabama Crimson Tide faced off against the Robert Morris Colonials in the first round of March Madness on March 21, 2025.
As the No. 2 seed in the East Region, Alabama opened the game with a notable 12:40 p.m. ET start time at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The matchup marked a significant moment, as the Crimson Tide aimed to capitalize on their recent success, making this their fifth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament under head coach Nate Oats.
This year, Alabama was not only looking to clinch a spot in the round of 32 but also to build on their historic run that saw them reach the Final Four last season. With the confidence stemming from their previous success, the Crimson Tide appeared poised to assert dominance against the No. 15 seed Robert Morris, who boasted an impressive record of 26-8.
The Colonials, champions of the Horizon League, entered the game riding a ten-game winning streak and were aiming to prove their mettle against a powerhouse like Alabama. The stark contrast between the two teams emerged as the game unfolded, providing viewers a thrilling spectacle of collegiate basketball.
From the outset, it was evident that Alabama was focused. They jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead, with center Clifford Omoruyi scoring a significant dunk early in the first half. Alabama maintained a shooting percentage of 61.5%, demonstrating their offensive efficiency, while Robert Morris struggled to find their rhythm, shooting only 29.4% from the field.
As the game progressed, the intensity heightened. By halftime, Alabama held a slight advantage with a score of 39-36. However, the Colonials had begun to assert themselves, cutting Alabama's lead down to just three points with seconds remaining in the half. Omoruyi entered halftime as the leading scorer with 13 points, exemplifying his effectiveness in the paint.
The second half resumed with the same competitiveness. Alabama quickly strengthened their lead again as the game shifted gears. Grant Nelson made a tremendous impact off the bench, sparking a run that helped the Crimson Tide regain momentum.
At various points during the game, Alabama's lead fluctuated. They were up by as much as ten points thanks to strategic plays from Mark Sears and Labaron Philon, who contributed significantly to extending the lead later in the game. Just when it seemed Alabama was firmly in control, Robert Morris fought back, even managing to claim a brief lead with just under seven minutes left in the game.
This back-and-forth action underscored the unpredictability of March Madness, creating nail-biting moments for both fanbases. With 2:35 left on the clock, Alabama found themselves ahead by a score of 77-68.
As they neared victory, Alabama's Mark Sears hit a crucial three-pointer to widen the lead back to five points, while Robert Morris struggled to maintain defensive pressure, leading to several missed opportunities. The Colonials' top scorer Amarion Dickerson found himself in foul trouble, limiting his effectiveness on the court.
Robert Morris's effort stood out, particularly given their efficient offense in the Horizon League. This was a team that averaged 76.5 points per game in the season and relied heavily on contributions from players like Folgueiras, who scored consistently throughout the game.
Ultimately, the game showcased Alabama's relentlessness, coupled with their high-octane pace and aggressive rebounding, which played a crucial role in their victory. Alabama captured the win, aiming next for a second-round matchup that would feature the looming possibility of facing either Saint Mary's or Vanderbilt.
This NCAA Tournament opening round not only highlighted the competitive nature of collegiate basketball but also set the stage for Alabama to continue their quest for glory, once again underlining the magic of March Madness. Fans tuning in to coverage on truTV were treated to a high-paced, exhilarating game that may well be a precursor of more thrilling matchups to come.
