No. 2 Alabama Survives Scare from No. 15 Robert Morris in First Round of NCAA Tournament
March Madness is notorious for its unpredictability, and the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament was no exception. In a game that many expected to be a routine victory for the No. 2 seed Alabama Crimson Tide, the Robert Morris Colonials, a 15-seed, nearly pulled off one of the most stunning upsets in tournament history. But despite a spirited effort from the Colonials, Alabama ultimately prevailed with a 90-81 victory. This nail-biting contest, which took place at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on March 21, 2025, showcased the drama and excitement that makes the NCAA Tournament a highlight of the basketball calendar.
The Set-Up: David vs. Goliath
As the 15th seed in the tournament’s East Region, Robert Morris entered the game with little expectation of making a deep run. The Colonials had earned their way into the tournament after an impressive showing in the Northeast Conference (NEC) Tournament, but they were widely considered heavy underdogs against Alabama, a powerhouse that had dominated much of the regular season. Alabama came into the game with a 30-3 record, having clinched the SEC title and boasting one of the most high-powered offenses in the nation.
However, as history has shown, March Madness can produce moments of chaos, where the underdog rises to the occasion and challenges the might of the higher seed. For much of the game, it appeared that Robert Morris had the makings of a Cinderella story. The Colonials were relentless on both ends of the floor, pushing Alabama to the brink before the Crimson Tide found their rhythm in the final moments of the game.
A Thrilling First Half: Robert Morris Makes Its Move
The game began with Alabama showing its usual flair for fast-paced offense, as guard Mark Sears and forward Clifford Omoruyi quickly set the tone for the Crimson Tide. Alabama’s size and athleticism were immediately apparent, with Omoruyi dominating inside and Sears making his presence felt with several outside shots. Alabama raced to an early 12-5 lead, and it seemed like the game would follow the script many expected.
But Robert Morris was not content to play the role of passive underdog. The Colonials, led by senior guard Amarion Dickerson, began to chip away at Alabama’s lead with a relentless full-court press and a series of fast breaks that caught the Crimson Tide off guard. Dickerson, who was the focal point of Robert Morris’ offense, demonstrated why he was one of the most dangerous players in the NEC, scoring efficiently from beyond the arc and finishing at the rim with authority.
Despite being undersized, Robert Morris was scrappy and fearless, and they quickly found a rhythm offensively. The Colonials shot 50% from the field in the first half, a statistic that stunned the Alabama bench. Along with a solid contribution from forward Alvaro Folgueiras, who chipped in 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, Robert Morris made a statement. The first half ended with Robert Morris holding a slim 36-34 lead, a shocking turn of events for a team that was considered a heavy underdog.
The Second Half: A Test of Alabama’s Resolve
Alabama came out of the locker room determined to regain control of the game. Coach Nate Oats, known for his tactical acumen and ability to make adjustments, made it clear that the Crimson Tide would need to step up their defense and impose their will on the game. However, the first few minutes of the second half saw the same issues persist. Robert Morris, buoyed by the energy of their fans and the confidence gained from their first-half performance, continued to play fearless basketball.
The Colonials’ defense was relentless, forcing Alabama into difficult shot selections. At one point in the second half, Robert Morris stretched their lead to 65-64 after a series of quick baskets, sending a shockwave of tension through the Alabama fanbase. It seemed like the upset was within reach. As the clock ticked down, the game became a war of attrition, with both teams trading baskets and trading momentum.
But Alabama’s experience and depth eventually began to shine through. With just over seven minutes remaining in the game, Alabama embarked on a decisive 12-2 run, which included back-to-back three-pointers from Sears and guard Jahvon Quinerly. The Crimson Tide’s offense, which had been somewhat stagnant for much of the second half, came alive in these crucial moments, as Omoruyi continued to dominate in the paint and Sears delivered clutch shots from deep.
It was clear that Alabama’s top-tier talent, coupled with their resilience, would not allow them to be ousted in the first round. As the clock wound down, Robert Morris struggled to keep pace with Alabama’s heightened intensity, and their shots started to fall short. Despite their best efforts, the Colonials couldn’t overcome the Crimson Tide’s surge.
Key Players: A Tale of Two Stars
While the game was a team effort on both sides, the standout performances came from two players who dominated the action for their respective teams.
Mark Sears (Alabama): The junior guard had been a key player for Alabama all season, and he lived up to his billing in the second half. Sears finished with 22 points, including 19 in the second half, and was instrumental in Alabama’s late-game surge. His ability to hit timely three-pointers and drive to the basket under pressure proved to be a difference-maker. Sears also contributed 6 assists, showcasing his ability to facilitate Alabama’s offense in addition to his scoring.
Amarion Dickerson (Robert Morris): The senior guard was nothing short of spectacular for the Colonials, putting on a show for his home state fans. Dickerson led all scorers with 25 points, including 4 three-pointers, and had several key baskets in the second half that kept Robert Morris in the game. His playmaking and leadership were on full display, and it was evident that he was not intimidated by the bright lights of the NCAA Tournament. Dickerson also contributed 6 assists and 4 rebounds, doing everything he could to will his team to victory.
Statistical Breakdown
- Field Goals: Alabama shot 58.6% (34-58) from the field, a testament to their offensive efficiency, while Robert Morris shot 42.3% (33-78), which reflected their more methodical approach to offense.
- Three-Point Shooting: Alabama was not as effective from beyond the arc, hitting only 6 of 21 attempts (28.6%). Robert Morris, however, struggled even more, making just 7 of 27 attempts (25.9%).
- Free Throws: Alabama was the more aggressive team in drawing fouls, making 16 of 24 attempts (66.7%). Robert Morris made 8 of 13 free throws (61.5%).
- Rebounds: Robert Morris won the battle of the boards, pulling down 39 rebounds to Alabama’s 37. However, Alabama dominated on the offensive glass, grabbing 16 offensive rebounds compared to Robert Morris’s 5.
- Turnovers: Both teams struggled with ball security, with Alabama committing 14 turnovers and Robert Morris committing 13. The turnover battle was one of the more evenly matched aspects of the game.
Coaching and Strategy
Alabama’s coach, Nate Oats, was pleased with his team’s ability to overcome adversity, but he acknowledged that the Crimson Tide would need to perform better in future rounds. “We’ve got to be better on the defensive end,” Oats said after the game. “Robert Morris played really well, and they caught us off guard early. But I’m proud of the way we responded and came together when we needed to.”
On the other hand, Robert Morris coach Andy Toole was proud of his team’s effort. “We came into this game knowing it would be tough, but our guys fought hard,” Toole said. “Amarion [Dickerson] was phenomenal, and I couldn’t have asked for a better performance from him. We were just a couple of plays away from pulling off the upset.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Alabama?
With the win, Alabama advances to the Round of 32, where they will face the winner of the matchup between the No. 7 seed Saint Mary’s and the No. 10 seed Vanderbilt. While the win was far from dominant, Alabama’s resolve to grind out the victory is a testament to their championship aspirations. However, the Crimson Tide will need to sharpen their defense and continue improving their perimeter shooting as the tournament progresses.
As for Robert Morris, while their tournament run ended in heartbreak, they can hold their heads high. The Colonials proved that they belonged on the national stage and gave Alabama a fight they won’t soon forget. For a 15-seed, Robert Morris’ performance was nothing short of remarkable, and their players, particularly Dickerson, showed that small programs can still make a big impact in March.