Alabama Fends Off Robert Morris Upset Bid in NCAA Tournament First Round
Cleveland, OH – The second-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide weathered a fierce challenge from the fifteenth-seeded Robert Morris Colonials to secure a 90-81 victory in the opening round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The game, held at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, saw Alabama initially establish a double-digit lead before Robert Morris mounted a spirited comeback, briefly taking the lead in the second half. Ultimately, Alabama’s superior talent and execution down the stretch proved too much for the Colonials.
The Crimson Tide came out strong, demonstrating their offensive firepower early. Their crisp ball movement and ability to penetrate the Robert Morris defense allowed them to build a 12-point advantage in the first half. Mark Sears, the team’s dynamic point guard, was instrumental in orchestrating the offense, while Clifford Omoruyi, the imposing center, established his presence in the paint. Alabama’s efficiency on offense was evident as they consistently found high-percentage shots.
However, Robert Morris, a team known for its tenacity and resilience, refused to fold. The Colonials responded with renewed energy, tightening their defense and finding success on the offensive end. Amarion Dickerson, a standout forward, led the charge, relentlessly attacking the basket and securing crucial rebounds. Alvaro Folgueiras also made significant contributions, showcasing his versatility with a double-double performance.
As the first half progressed, Robert Morris chipped away at Alabama’s lead. Their improved defensive effort forced turnovers and contested shots, while their offensive execution became more fluid. By halftime, the Colonials had narrowed the gap to just four points, trailing 40-36. The momentum had clearly shifted, and Alabama knew they were in for a battle.
The second half began with Robert Morris continuing to apply pressure. Their determination and hustle were evident as they battled for every rebound and loose ball. With just over seven minutes remaining in the game, the Colonials completed their comeback, taking a 65-64 lead over Alabama. The upset alert sirens were blaring as the higher-seeded Crimson Tide found themselves in unfamiliar territory, facing the prospect of an early exit from the tournament.
Alabama, however, responded with the composure and poise expected of a team with championship aspirations. They tightened their defense, limiting Robert Morris’s scoring opportunities. On offense, they relied on their star players to make key plays. Mark Sears continued to be a driving force, scoring and creating opportunities for his teammates. Clifford Omoruyi remained a dominant presence in the paint, converting every shot he attempted.
With the game on the line, Alabama embarked on a decisive 26-16 run to close out the contest. Their ability to execute under pressure, combined with their superior talent, proved to be the difference. The Crimson Tide regained the lead and gradually extended their advantage, ultimately securing a hard-fought 90-81 victory.
Mark Sears led the way for Alabama, showcasing his all-around game with 22 points and 10 assists. His ability to score, distribute, and control the tempo of the game was crucial to Alabama’s success. Clifford Omoruyi was equally impressive, scoring 17 points on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting performance. His efficiency in the paint was a major factor in Alabama’s offensive dominance. As a team, Alabama shot a remarkable 58.6% from the field, highlighting their offensive efficiency.
Despite the loss, Robert Morris showcased tremendous heart and determination. Amarion Dickerson led the Colonials with 25 points and nine rebounds, demonstrating his scoring prowess and rebounding ability. Alvaro Folgueiras contributed a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Josh Omojafo added 12 points. However, Robert Morris struggled with their outside shooting, connecting on just 25.9% of their 3-point attempts. Their overall field goal percentage was 42.3%.
With the win, Alabama advances to the round of 32, where they will face the winner of the game between tenth-seeded Vanderbilt and seventh-seeded St. Mary’s of California. The Crimson Tide will need to continue to improve their defensive consistency and limit turnovers if they hope to make a deep run in the tournament.
For Robert Morris, the loss marks the end of a successful season. The Colonials finished with a 26-9 record, demonstrating their ability to compete at a high level. Their performance in the NCAA Tournament, particularly their near-upset of Alabama, showed their potential and their commitment to playing hard. Although disappointed with the loss, the Robert Morris players and coaches can hold their heads high, knowing they gave their best effort and represented their university with pride. Their season was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the strong bond they shared as a team. The future looks bright for the Robert Morris Colonials basketball program.
