CLEVELAND — After a decade-long absence, the Robert Morris Colonials have returned to the NCAA Tournament, earning a spot with a 26-8 record this season, along with winning the Horizon League for a chance to make a deep run in March Madness. The Colonials are set to face the No. 2 seeded Alabama Crimson Tide on March 21, 2025, at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, marking their first tournament appearance since 2015.
With a ten-game winning streak leading into the tournament, Robert Morris is feeling confident about their matchup against the Crimson Tide, who reached the Final Four last season. The Colonials earned their automatic berth after an impressive campaign, finishing 15-5 in the Horizon League.
Amarion Dickerson, a forward and Cleveland native, has emerged as a standout player for the team. Having attended James Ford Rhodes High School nearby, Dickerson is excited to showcase his talent in front of a hometown crowd. He reflected on this unique opportunity, stating, “Just having an opportunity to play in front of your hometown crowd, in front of a lot of fans, a lot of people you know. It’s all just an unbelievable blessing,” as reported by News 5 Cleveland.
Coaching staff and players alike are feeding off this local support, and head coach Andrew Toole is optimistic about the team’s chances. Toole commented on Dickerson’s pride in representing Cleveland, mentioning how the player often shares local restaurant recommendations with the team. He noted, “When we come here to play Cleveland State, he'll go through his list of favorite restaurants and attractions that make Cleveland... what it is,” according to reports.
As the Colonials prepared for their chance at upset, it became evident that their bond and unity as a team would factor heavily into their performance during the tournament. Dickerson emphasized the strong brotherhood developed over the months, stating, “I feel like we're a great group of guys that really established the brotherhood over the course of the months that we've been together, so I feel like we definitely have a huge chance to go on a great run in this great tournament,” as relayed by Cleveland 19.
The Colonials’ performance is bolstered by robust defensive plays, with Dickerson recently honored as the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year, contributing an impressive average of 2.4 blocks per game. His commitment on defense reflects a drive that has inspired his coaches and peers alike.
Shawn Spencer, the current coach of the James Ford Rhodes team, highlighted Dickerson’s influence, saying, “Through each adversity, you know, each piece of life happening... you still can make it. If you push through [and] persevere, things will take care of itself.” He plans to take his current players to watch the tournament, serving as an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved.
This tournament appearance marks Robert Morris's return after their 2020 entry was cut short due to COVID-19, meaning that the last time they played in the NCAA Tournament was a full decade ago. During this period they have achieved the honor of qualifying for the tournament a total of nine times, starting in 1982 as a No. 12 seed.
In their tournament history, the Colonials hold a record of 2-9, with their two victories coming in preliminary rounds. Their past appearances include a memorable first-round win over Georgia Southern in 1983, and their most recent victory was in 2015 against North Florida.
In a highly competitive environment, the Colonials are determined to seize their opportunity against Alabama, recognizing that every game could lead to unexpected outcomes. As forward Alvaro Folgueiras stated, “We have to value the moment and enjoy the experience, but the job’s not finished. We have a great chance tomorrow to keep making history.”
As tip-off approaches at 12:40 p.m. ET, energy and enthusiasm envelop Rocket Arena, where not just the players but an entire community stands behind Robert Morris. The Colonials carry the underdog title into the match, but with camaraderie, a strong defensive strategy, and home-ground support, they are certainly aiming for a Cinderella story this March Madness.
