Alabama Survives Robert Morris Upset Scare, Advances \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Second-seeded Alabama avoided a first-round upset with a 90-81 victory over 15th-seeded Robert Morris. Mark Sears scored 19 of his 22 points in the second half, helping Alabama recover from a brief deficit. The Crimson Tide advances to face either Saint Mary’s or Vanderbilt in Sunday’s second round.
Alabama Survives Robert Morris Upset Scare, Advances Quick Looks:
- Mark Sears powered Alabama with 22 points, 19 in the second half.
- Robert Morris briefly took the lead at 65-64 in a near upset.
- Alabama responded with an 11-2 surge to reclaim control.
- Grant Nelson, recovering from injury, provided key late-game minutes.
- Nelson’s powerful dunk sealed Alabama’s double-digit cushion.
- Alabama center Clifford Omoruyi scored a perfect 17 points on 8-for-8 shooting.
- Robert Morris’ Amarion Dickerson led all scorers with 25 points.
- The Colonials erased a 10-point deficit but couldn’t finish the upset.
- Alabama maintained composure despite a surging Colonials crowd.
- Robert Morris coach Andy Toole could attract coaching offers.
- Alabama eyes its fourth Sweet 16 appearance in five years.
- Crimson Tide will face Saint Mary’s or Vanderbilt on Sunday.
Deep Look
Second-seeded Alabama’s opening-round clash against 15th-seeded Robert Morris in the NCAA Tournament became an unexpected thriller, as the Crimson Tide narrowly avoided a major upset with a hard-fought 90-81 victory. The Colonials, heavy underdogs coming in at 22.5-point odds, pushed Alabama to its limits and proved that March Madness can deliver surprises even when the odds seem overwhelming.
Alabama entered the game confident but quickly learned that Robert Morris wasn’t going to simply roll over. The Horizon League champions, led by head coach Andy Toole, showcased determination, energy, and skill. Toole’s squad refused to be intimidated by the Crimson Tide’s higher seeding and more prominent reputation.
The Colonials’ first big statement came in the second half, when Josh Omojafo’s layup gave them their first lead of the game at 65-64, sending the Rocket Arena crowd into a frenzy. Alabama, which had led by double digits earlier, suddenly found itself in unfamiliar territory — playing catch-up.
Enter Mark Sears. The All-America guard had been relatively quiet in the first half but exploded for 19 points in the second half alone. His scoring surge, coupled with an 11-2 Alabama run following the Colonials’ brief lead, helped steady the team and reestablish their control. Sears’ leadership in those tense moments was crucial, as he hit key shots and made smart decisions under pressure.
Meanwhile, Robert Morris wasn’t content to simply challenge Alabama; they looked poised to complete the upset thanks to standout performances, particularly from Amarion Dickerson. The Cleveland native turned in a spectacular effort, scoring 25 points and putting on a show with a series of acrobatic drives and mid-range jumpers that cut Alabama’s lead and ignited the crowd. Dickerson’s performance was a testament to the talent present in mid-major programs, and his stock as a player will undoubtedly rise after this tournament appearance.
Alabama, for all its depth, needed more than Sears to secure the win. Clifford Omoruyi delivered a perfect shooting night, going 8-for-8 from the field and scoring 17 points — nearly all from dunks that kept Alabama in rhythm and provided much-needed energy. Omoruyi’s dominance in the paint neutralized Robert Morris’ interior defense and helped swing momentum back in Alabama’s favor.
Another key moment came with the appearance of forward Grant Nelson, who had been questionable due to a knee injury. With Alabama’s lead shrinking and tension mounting, Nelson checked into the game and made an immediate impact. His two-handed dunk with just over two minutes left not only pushed the lead back into double digits but also served as an emotional dagger that subdued the Colonials’ final push. Nelson’s resilience and contribution in limited minutes were emblematic of Alabama’s “next man up” mentality.
Head coach Nate Oats praised his team’s ability to stay composed under pressure. “This is March. Nothing comes easy,” Oats said postgame. “I’m proud of how our guys responded. We faced adversity and didn’t flinch.”
Robert Morris, though eliminated, left the court with their heads high. Coach Andy Toole’s tactical adjustments, particularly in the second half, demonstrated his coaching acumen. His ability to guide a mid-major team to within striking distance of a historic upset will undoubtedly attract attention from higher-profile programs looking for leadership. With his alma mater, Penn, currently seeking a new head coach, Toole may soon be presented with new career opportunities.
Looking ahead, Alabama will face either Saint Mary’s or Vanderbilt in the second round on Sunday. If they advance, it would mark their fourth Sweet 16 appearance in five years — a remarkable achievement that underscores the program’s rise as a perennial contender. Yet, this game also exposed areas that Alabama will need to address moving forward. Defensive lapses allowed Robert Morris to erase a double-digit lead, and there were stretches where Alabama’s offense stagnated under pressure.
Sears will need to continue his strong second-half performances, but Alabama will also require more balanced scoring contributions from its bench to avoid similar scares. Grant Nelson’s health will be critical for the Tide’s tournament run, as his presence provides both size and versatility in key moments.
As for Robert Morris, their performance solidified their reputation as a dangerous underdog program. Players like Dickerson showcased talent that could thrive at higher levels, and the Colonials’ near-upset will serve as motivation for seasons to come. Despite falling short, they left an undeniable mark on this year’s tournament.
For Alabama, the first-round scare might ultimately serve as a wake-up call. The tournament only intensifies from here, and if they hope to make a deep run, consistent focus, strong defensive effort, and steady leadership from players like Sears and Nelson will be non-negotiable. Their resilience against Robert Morris proved they can handle adversity, but the margin for error will shrink as the competition stiffens.
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