Alabama Survives Scare from Robert Morris in NCAA Tournament Showdown

No. 2-seeded Alabama narrowly defeated No. 15-seeded Robert Morris 90-81 in a thrilling opening round of the men’s NCAA tournament on Friday at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.

Early Lead Fades as Robert Morris Battles Back

Alabama initially took a commanding 12-point lead during the first half. However, Robert Morris demonstrated resilience, slicing Alabama’s advantage down to just four points as the teams headed into halftime with the score at 40-36.

Drama Unfolds in the Second Half

The tension escalated in the second half when Robert Morris overtook Alabama, gaining a brief 65-64 lead with just 7:10 remaining on the clock. This critical moment put the Crimson Tide in a precarious position, and it was clear that an upset was within reach.

Crimson Tide Closes Strong

Fortunately for Alabama fans, the team regrouped and responded with determination. They launched a significant 26-16 run in the closing minutes, ultimately securing the victory and advancing to the next round.

Star Performers Lead the Way

Mark Sears and Clifford Omoruyi emerged as key players for Alabama during this tense matchup. Sears delivered an impressive double-double performance, finishing the game with 22 points and 10 assists. Meanwhile, Omoruyi contributed significantly with 17 points, shooting an impeccable 8-for-8 from the field.

Alabama’s Shooting Performance

Alabama’s offensive execution was noteworthy, as they managed to shoot an impressive 58.6% from the floor. This level of accuracy played a crucial role in their ability to withstand Robert Morris’s challenge.

Robert Morris Shows Heart in Defeat

On the losing side, Robert Morris also had standout performances, with Amarion Dickerson leading the charge. He scored 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds, including six on the offensive end. Additionally, Alvaro Folgueiras recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Josh Omojafo chipped in with 12 points in a valiant effort.

Shooting Struggles from Long Range

Despite their efforts, Robert Morris struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 25.9% of their three-point attempts. Their overall shooting percentage stood at 42.3%, which was not enough to topple the favored Crimson Tide.

What’s Next for Alabama

With this victory, Alabama prepares to face the winner of the matchup between 10th-seeded Vanderbilt and No. 7 seed St. Mary’s of California in the round of 32. The Crimson Tide will aim to build on their performance, looking to continue their tournament run.

Final Thoughts on Robert Morris’s Season

Robert Morris concluded their season with a commendable record of 26-9. Their performance in the tournament showcased their potential and tenacity, promising more competitive seasons ahead.

As the NCAA tournament progresses, the excitement and unpredictability remain high, with every game presenting new opportunities and challenges for the teams involved.