Alabama Holds Off Robert Morris in First Round, Advances in NCAA Tournament
The Alabama Crimson Tide took care of business in their opening game of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, defeating Robert Morris 86-65 in the first round. Despite a tough start and some early challenges, Alabama showed their championship potential, pulling away in the second half to secure a convincing win and advance to the next round.
With the win, Alabama (who entered the tournament as a high seed) demonstrated that they are more than capable of handling the pressure of March Madness, even if they didn’t play their absolute best basketball throughout the entirety of the contest. The victory marks another significant step in their quest for a national title, and the Crimson Tide will look to build on this momentum as the tournament progresses.
A Slow Start, but Alabama Finds Their Rhythm
The game started with some unexpected resistance from Robert Morris. Despite being heavy underdogs, Robert Morris came out with an aggressive game plan, pressuring Alabama and challenging them at both ends of the floor. The Crimson Tide, on the other hand, looked a bit sluggish in the early going, as the fast-paced, high-energy style they are known for wasn’t clicking immediately.
Alabama’s offense struggled to get into a rhythm, with some uncharacteristic turnovers and missed shots leading to a closer game than many anticipated. Robert Morris took advantage of some early Alabama mistakes, keeping the game competitive throughout the first half. The Colonials’ defense, focused on containing Alabama’s star players and disrupting their fast-break opportunities, was proving more effective than expected.
But Alabama, despite not playing their best, never allowed Robert Morris to build a sizable lead. The Crimson Tide’s depth and talent were evident, even in a sluggish first half. Led by their senior guard Mark Sears, who was creating for both himself and his teammates, Alabama kept pace, and eventually, they started to break away.
Mark Sears Leads the Way
As the first half wore on, Mark Sears began to take over the game. The senior guard, who has been one of the most consistent players for Alabama this season, put on an impressive performance. With his court vision, Sears set up multiple scoring opportunities, showing off his playmaking abilities by finding open shooters and hitting his own shots when necessary.
Sears finished the game with 18 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, helping to steady the team and guide them through the tough stretches. His leadership on both ends of the floor was crucial in Alabama’s eventual surge. Sears’ ability to create space and find his teammates in rhythm opened up opportunities for others, including fellow guard Jaden Ivey and forwards Charles Bediako and Noah Clowney.
Sears’ composure and decision-making were on full display in the second half, when Alabama began to distance themselves from Robert Morris. Whether it was running the offense smoothly, driving to the basket, or hitting timely three-pointers, Sears was the catalyst for Alabama’s success. His leadership, especially under pressure, is one of the reasons why Alabama has positioned themselves as a favorite to make a deep run in the tournament.
Strong Second Half Performance
After an uneventful first half that saw Alabama leading by just a small margin, the Crimson Tide came out in the second half with a renewed sense of urgency. Coach Nate Oats made adjustments at halftime, emphasizing defense and the need to move the ball more efficiently on offense.
Alabama quickly found their rhythm and dominated both ends of the floor. The Tide’s defense, which had been a bit lackluster in the opening period, stepped up significantly. Robert Morris struggled to find open shots against Alabama’s size and length, and the Crimson Tide’s full-court press created several turnovers that led to fast-break points. Alabama’s transition game kicked into gear, and they started building an insurmountable lead.
Jaden Ivey also played a crucial role in Alabama’s second-half surge. His speed and athleticism were on full display, as he consistently beat defenders off the dribble and finished strong at the rim. Ivey’s ability to score in transition and hit key shots helped Alabama take control of the game, ensuring that Robert Morris had little chance of mounting a comeback.
The Depth of Alabama’s Roster Shines
While Sears and Ivey were the primary contributors, Alabama’s depth was also evident throughout the game. Freshman forward Brandon Miller came off the bench to add a spark, knocking down a few key three-pointers and providing much-needed energy. His versatility allowed Alabama to stretch the floor, and his size and athleticism gave Robert Morris trouble on both ends.
Alabama’s big men, Charles Bediako and Noah Clowney, were also key to the win. Both players provided a strong presence in the paint, collecting rebounds and finishing at the rim when needed. Their ability to dominate inside allowed Alabama to control the pace of the game, as they exploited mismatches and created easy scoring opportunities.
With such a balanced attack, Alabama’s offense clicked into gear as they pulled away in the second half. The Crimson Tide finished with 86 points, thanks to excellent ball movement, solid shooting, and consistent contributions from multiple players. Their depth and ability to get scoring from different sources make them one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.
Robert Morris Fights Hard but Falls Short
While Robert Morris ultimately fell short in their upset bid, they played admirably and proved they were no pushovers. The Colonials, led by their senior guard Kam Farris, played with heart and grit, challenging Alabama at every turn. Farris, who scored 20 points in the game, was the focal point of Robert Morris’ offense, keeping them in the game with his perimeter shooting and ability to drive to the basket.
Despite Robert Morris’ best efforts, they simply couldn’t match the talent and depth of Alabama. The Crimson Tide’s defense eventually overwhelmed the Colonials, and their fast-paced offense proved too much for Robert Morris to handle. However, Robert Morris can hold their heads high after a competitive showing against one of the top teams in the nation.
What This Win Means for Alabama
For Alabama, this victory is an important step in their quest for a national championship. The Crimson Tide showed that they can weather early challenges and still come out on top, a crucial trait for any team hoping to make a deep run in March Madness.
The win also highlighted Alabama’s strengths: a deep roster full of talented players who can contribute in a variety of ways, strong defense, and a potent offense that can score in transition or execute in the half-court. The Tide’s ability to adjust at halftime and take control of the game in the second half demonstrated the coaching acumen of Nate Oats and the maturity of his players.
While Alabama won this game comfortably in the end, they know that the competition will only get tougher as the tournament progresses. With a Sweet 16 berth now secured, the Crimson Tide will need to keep improving and staying focused, as they prepare for the next challenge.
Looking Ahead to the Next Round
As Alabama moves on to the next round, they will be facing an even tougher opponent. March Madness has a way of throwing curveballs, and the Crimson Tide will need to be prepared for anything. However, with the talent on their roster and the leadership of players like Sears, Ivey, and Miller, Alabama has all the tools necessary to make a serious run at the national title.
For now, Alabama can celebrate their first-round victory, knowing they’ve taken care of business. But the real work begins as they continue their pursuit of the ultimate goal: a national championship. The win over Robert Morris was just the beginning, and the Crimson Tide’s journey in the 2025 NCAA Tournament is far from over.