No. 2 Alabama Survives Scare from No. 15 Robert Morris in First Round of NCAA Tournament

In what was expected to be a routine victory for the No. 2 seed Alabama Crimson Tide, their opening round game against No. 15 seed Robert Morris turned into a nail-biting affair that had fans on the edge of their seats. Despite the higher seed’s overwhelming talent, Robert Morris, the underdog, made a heroic stand and pushed Alabama to the brink of an early exit. The game, which ended with Alabama escaping with a slim 72-69 win, will go down in history as one of the most unexpected scares for a top-tier seed in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

Setting the Stage

Before the game, expectations were clear: Alabama, with its combination of speed, athleticism, and overall team chemistry, was heavily favored to defeat Robert Morris. Alabama entered the NCAA Tournament with a strong record, finishing the season as one of the best teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Under the leadership of head coach Nate Oats, the Crimson Tide had consistently been a top contender, dominating the regular season with their fast-paced offense, deadly three-point shooting, and stifling defense.

Robert Morris, on the other hand, was widely regarded as a Cinderella story. A No. 15 seed, they were certainly not expected to advance deep into the tournament. The Colonials had earned their spot by way of a solid performance in the Northeast Conference (NEC) tournament, but they were facing one of the nation’s best teams. Nevertheless, Robert Morris brought their unique style of play and intense determination to the court, hoping to prove that they were more than just a mere participant in this prestigious event.

The Early Stages

From the outset, it was clear that Alabama’s talent and size were going to be significant advantages. With a starting lineup that included some of the most elite players in college basketball, such as star forward Brandon Miller and dynamic guard Mark Sears, Alabama quickly established control. They surged to an early 10-point lead, utilizing their trademark up-tempo offense and swarming defense to force turnovers and create fast-break opportunities.

However, Robert Morris was undeterred. The Colonials weren’t intimidated by the atmosphere or the stakes. Led by veteran guard Kamron West, who had been the team’s engine throughout the season, Robert Morris executed a disciplined offense and held steady on defense. They kept pace with Alabama, showing poise beyond their seed. West’s ability to drive to the basket and dish out assists kept the game competitive early on, as he found his teammates for open shots, and the Colonials began to chip away at the lead.

A Momentum Shift

The game truly shifted midway through the first half when Robert Morris began to find their rhythm from beyond the arc. They hit several key three-pointers, including back-to-back shots from wing player Jalen Hooks, who had been a key contributor throughout the season. Suddenly, Alabama’s defense was on its heels, unable to contest the perimeter shots with the same effectiveness they had shown earlier. The game that was supposed to be a blowout was now much closer than anyone anticipated.

Alabama’s offense, meanwhile, was not firing on all cylinders. Although Miller continued to play well, getting to the basket and drawing fouls, the Crimson Tide was struggling to keep possession of the ball, with several turnovers that allowed Robert Morris to keep pace. By the time the first half ended, Alabama’s lead had dwindled to just four points, and the crowd in the arena was buzzing with excitement as Robert Morris proved it wasn’t a fluke.

The Second Half: A Tight Battle

As the second half began, it was clear that Robert Morris was not going to back down. The Colonials came out with renewed energy, determined to continue their upset bid. West once again played a pivotal role, orchestrating the offense and finding teammates in good positions to score. His court vision was on full display, and he made several key assists that led to easy baskets, helping the Colonials briefly take the lead.

For Alabama, the situation was becoming dire. Their usual fast-paced game was disrupted by Robert Morris’ physical defense, and key players like Sears were struggling to find their rhythm. Oats called several timeouts, attempting to adjust his team’s strategy, but the Colonials’ relentless pressure on both ends of the floor kept Alabama on edge.

With just under 10 minutes left, the game was tied, and the tension in the arena was palpable. Fans, who had expected a routine victory, were now wondering if they were witnessing the start of a historic upset. Alabama’s players were visibly frustrated, unable to break free from the defensive schemes Robert Morris had employed. However, despite the mounting pressure, Alabama’s experience began to show.

The Closing Minutes

In the final five minutes, Alabama dug deep and leaned on its stars. Brandon Miller, who had been relatively quiet throughout much of the game, exploded for several key buckets, including a critical three-pointer that gave Alabama the lead. His size and athleticism proved to be too much for Robert Morris to handle down the stretch. While Robert Morris wasn’t going away easily, Alabama’s superior talent was starting to tilt the game in their favor.

The Crimson Tide also got a boost from the free-throw line, where they capitalized on their opportunities and extended their lead. Miller and Sears both made clutch free throws in the final minutes, helping to seal the victory. Yet, despite Alabama’s late surge, Robert Morris kept pushing. The Colonials had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds, but a last-second three-pointer from West missed its mark, and the buzzer sounded, signaling a hard-fought 72-69 win for the Crimson Tide.

Key Takeaways

1. Robert Morris’ Fight: While Alabama may have emerged victorious, Robert Morris demonstrated heart, grit, and resilience. They came into the game with nothing to lose and played like it, pushing one of the top teams in the country to the brink of elimination. Their ability to hit key three-pointers, execute well-coached offensive sets, and stay composed under pressure will be remembered as a heroic performance. Even though they didn’t pull off the upset, Robert Morris’ effort earned them respect, and it was clear that they were not intimidated by the big stage.
2. Alabama’s Struggles: Alabama, while surviving the scare, will need to reevaluate their performance. The team’s turnovers, inability to defend the three-point line consistently, and lack of offensive flow at times were glaring weaknesses that could be exploited by more talented teams later in the tournament. Head coach Nate Oats will likely use this narrow escape as a learning experience for his players, as they head into the next rounds of the tournament with a target on their back.
3. Brandon Miller’s Impact: Despite the close call, Alabama’s star forward Brandon Miller showed why he is one of the top players in college basketball. His ability to step up in crucial moments, especially during the second half, helped secure the victory. While the Crimson Tide will need more consistent play from their supporting cast, Miller’s performance proved to be the difference-maker in a game that was much closer than expected.
4. The Importance of March Madness: This game also highlighted one of the most exciting aspects of the NCAA Tournament: the unpredictability. March Madness is known for its upsets, Cinderella stories, and thrilling moments, and this first-round clash was no exception. It served as a reminder that no game is a guarantee, no matter how favorable the matchup might seem on paper.

The Road Ahead for Alabama

As Alabama looks forward to the next round, they will need to regroup and refine their approach. Their close victory over Robert Morris should serve as a wake-up call. Against more talented opponents, Alabama will need to clean up their turnovers, improve their defense, and make more consistent shots. However, the win does keep them alive in the tournament, and with the talent they possess, they still remain one of the favorites to make a deep run.

For now, Alabama can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they survived a serious scare and advanced to the next round. But as they continue their pursuit of a national championship, they will undoubtedly face tougher challenges, and they’ll need to be ready for whatever comes next in their March Madness journey.