The No. 2 seed in the East region Alabama Crimson Tide are moving on to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after a 90-81 victory over the No. 15 seeded Robert Morris Colonials.
Throughout the first half, there were several moments where it looked like Alabama might be on the verge of running away with the game, but Robert Morris kept fighting and trailed by only four at the break.
Omoruyi’s been catching lobs left and right @AlabamaMBB pic.twitter.com/PD24IUOpOu
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 21, 2025
CLIFF OMORUYI THROWS IT DOWN 💪#MarchMadness @AlabamaMBB pic.twitter.com/d87lb9IwHw
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 21, 2025
In the second half, the Colonials stepped up and were able to force some nerves into Alabama, taking the lead by just a point. Head Coach Nate Oats, however, had an ace up his sleeve with star big man Grant Nelson on the bench. In the second half, Nelson, who was previously sidelined by an injury, entered the game and things stabilized as the Tide maintained a slim lead and pushed it to double digits in the final minutes.
GRANT NELSON SOARS ✈️#MarchMadness @AlabamaMBB pic.twitter.com/eiHTJAbtUC
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 21, 2025
MARK SEARS CLOSING THE DOOR 🚪😤
He made 1️⃣9️⃣ points in the second half❗️ @jerseymikes | #JerseyMikesNaismith2025 | #RollTide | 🎥: @AlabamaMBB pic.twitter.com/FBpN3jABuQ
— Naismith Awards (@NaismithTrophy) March 21, 2025
In the victory, Mark Sears finished with 22 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds, coming through in the clutch and at his best late in the game to help secure the win. Clifford Omoruyi had a tremendous afternoon as well with 17 points, four rebounds, and two blocks.
Off the bench, the hero was Mouhamed Dioubate who finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Amarion Dickerson of the Colonials had an incredible day, scoring 13 points in the first half and 25 on the afternoon as a whole.
The Tide will now play on Sunday and await the winner of the No. 7 seed St. Mary’s Gaels and the No. 10 seed Vanderbilt Commodores.
