Second-seeded Alabama defeated No. 15 seed Robert Morris 90-81 in the first round of the men's NCAA tournament held at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday.
At one point, Alabama went up 12 points in the first half, but Robert Morris fought to cut Alabama's lead 40-36 at halftime.
Robert Morris continued his fight in the second half, leading Alabama 65-64 at one point with 7:10 left to play, putting the Crimson tide in an upset alert.
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Alabama Guard Mark Sears (1) responds after beating Robert Morris in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Cleveland on Friday, March 21, 2025. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Alabama then ended the game with a 26-16 run to secure the victory.
Mark Sears and Clifford O'Moloui led the way to victory for the Crimson Tide. The Sears doubled with 22 points and 10 assists, while Omoruyi added 17 points with a perfect 8-8 shooting.
Alabama made 58.6% of that shot.
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The Alabama Crimson Tide Guard Mark Sears will respond with Robert Morris Colonials in the second half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Rocket Arena on March 21, 2025. (Rick Osentoski/Imagn Images)
Amarion Dickerson was one of four players who were defeated by a double figure by Robert Morris.
Dickerson scored 25 points and narrated nine rebounds, including six offensive boards. Alvaro Folgueiras also doubled with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Josh Omojafo scored 12 points in losses.
Robert Morris shot 42.3% from the field and just 25.9% from the 3-point range.
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Robert Morris Guard DJ Smith will respond to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Rocket Arena on March 21, 2025. (Rick Osentoski/Imagn Images)
Alabama will play the winner of the 10th Seed Vanderbilt and California's 7th Seed St. Mary's in 32 rounds.
Robert Morris finished the season with a 26-9 record.
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