Moon Township, PA - As Robert Morris University prepares for a much-anticipated return to the NCAA Tournament, the echoes of previous challenges resonate strongly within the team. Led by head coach Andy Toole, the Colonials are focused and ready, having locked in after intense preparation for their matchup against the formidable Alabama Crimson Tide.
"I don’t think we’ve done anything differently than we would have a week ago, two weeks ago, six weeks ago and that’s what we talked about with our team," Toole stated enthusiastically on March 19, just two days ahead of their opening game on March 21. The path to this moment hasn’t been an easy one, marked by a tumultuous transition from the Northeast Conference to the Horizon League, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic that canceled the NCAA Tournament just five years earlier.
The Colonials clinched their place in March Madness with a stellar 89-78 victory over Youngstown State, claiming the Horizon League championship on March 11, 2025. This triumph was not only a celebration of their skills but also a redemption from the void left by the abrupt cancellation of the tournament in 2020. Toole could not help but reflect on that dark time, recalling how it impacted not only the team but the entire sport. "The hardest locker room I’ve ever walked into in my life was when we met and knew the tournament was canceled," he said.
Since that painful moment, the Colonials have rebuilt and redefined themselves. They now carry a 26-8 record and enter the tournament with a solid 10-game winning streak. Yet, they find themselves as 23.5-point underdogs against Alabama, and ESPN gives them only a 4% chance to pull off a historic upset as the 15-seed.
Despite facing overwhelming odds, the players are determined to make their mark. They refuse to be intimidated by the stage or the opponent and instead focus on their journey. "Look at what we’ve done all year," said guard DJ Smith, emphasizing the team's resilience. "We’ve been counted out all year. It’s a basketball game at the end of the day. We all lace it up the same way." This self-belief is crucial as they prepare to face Alabama, a powerhouse team.
Adding to the positive momentum are standout players like Alvaro Folgairas, the Horizon League Player of the Year. He echoed the sentiment that they must focus on their game plan. "The key is keep being us, that’s something that we have had to keep following the whole year," Folgairas remarked, indicating a strong sense of team unity and purpose.
The environment surrounding the team has shifted dramatically since the days of uncertainty in 2020. Five years ago, on March 12, the NCAA had to cancel the tournament due to the burgeoning COVID-19 pandemic. NCAA Vice President of Men’s Basketball JoAn Scott vividly recounted the moment the decision was made: “It was 12:28 p.m. We wrote down 12:28 and we will honor that every year in the selection room.” Looking back, it’s clear that the aftermath of that decision haunted many teams, including Robert Morris, who had just won the Northeast Conference title only to see their moment evaporate.
As the team gears up for the matchup against Alabama, the mix of anticipation and reflection is palpable. Toole, who has been the face of Robert Morris basketball for over a decade, understands the significance of this moment. “This tournament is something we’ve all earned, and I really want our players to enjoy this experience—a chance they didn’t get five years ago," he remarked, underlining the importance of seizing the opportunity rather than simply being satisfied with participation.
This year, the atmosphere is charged with excitement. After dodging a bullet against Oakland in their earlier semifinal game that ended 79-76 in overtime, the Colonials have proven they can handle pressure. Now, they are ready to showcase their talents on a national stage once again.
"It’s good to appreciate the moment," said Josh Omojafo, a crucial transfer from Gannon University. He stressed the importance of being present and making the most of this opportunity while keeping their focus sharp. "We are looking to shock the world and I think we are capable of doing it."
As tip-off approaches, Robert Morris is not just participating; they are ready to fight. They know that the NCAA Tournament can create miracles, and this year's journey comes with a mix of hope and a fight to prove their worth. "Our plans are to be aggressive," Toole stated confidently. In a game defined by unpredictability and excitement, every moment counts—their plausible underdog story is about to unfold on the hardwood of Cleveland.
