In a thrilling first round of the NCAA Tournament, the Alabama Crimson Tide managed to hold off a challenging effort from the Robert Morris Colonials, securing a narrow 90-81 victory at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.
The game marked a significant moment for the Colonials, who made their first NCAA appearance in ten years. After a solid performance throughout the match, they took a brief lead in the second half, demonstrating the potential for an upset.
With over seven minutes remaining, Alabama found themselves trailing 65-64 after a basket from Josh Omojafo of Robert Morris. However, the Crimson Tide regained control by scoring six consecutive points followed by an 11-of-12 run to ultimately secure their advancement in the tournament.
Leading the charge for Alabama was Mark Sears, a consensus first-team All-American, who netted 22 points, converting 11 of 13 from the free-throw line and adding 10 assists. Impressively, Sears scored 19 of his points after halftime, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
The Crimson Tide, now boasting a record of 26 wins against 8 losses, was further supported by Mo Dioubate and Clifford Omoruyi, who combined for an astounding shooting percentage, finishing 16 for 18 from the field. Dioubate contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Omoruyi scored 17 points, with 15 coming in a dominant first half.
A notable aspect of the game was the return of Grant Nelson, who had been sidelined due to a knee injury. He entered the game with less than 10 minutes remaining and made an immediate impact with two crucial dunks.
On the other side, Robert Morris, finishing their season with a record of 26-9, was led by Amarion Dickerson, who scored 25 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Also notable were Alvaro Folgueiras with 15 points, and contributions from Omojafo and DJ Smith, adding 12 and 10 points respectively.
The Colonials fought valiantly, and discussions linger about their potential to become a bracket-busting story in this year’s tournament. The Sporting News continues to provide live updates and highlights for NCAA Tournament coverage.
