The No. 2 seed in the East Region Alabama Crimson Tide(25-8) is set to take on the No. 15 seed Robert Morris Colonials(26-8) in the 1st Round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. This game will take place Friday afternoon in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Crimson Tide has been one of the nation’s best teams in recent years. They lost in the Final Four last year to National Champion UConn. Robert Morris is returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2015. Will the Colonials be able to keep this game close and put a scare in the Crimson Tide?
Alabama Season Summary
The Crimson Tide held their own in a competitive SEC. Their last game was a blowout in the SEC Tournament Semifinals at the hands of the Florida Gators. Even though they lost by 20+ entering the NCAA Tournament, the Crimson Tide have been one of the nation’s most consistent squads. Alabama’s offense has been tremendous. They are the highest-scoring team in the country, 23rd in field goal percentage, and 126th in three-point percentage.
Alabama’s defense has been middling. They are 357th in points allowed, 97th in opposing field goal percentage, and 31st in opposing three-point percentage. Their team is led by Guard Mark Sears. He struggled in the SEC Tournament. He will need to be better for the Crimson Tide to go on a deep tournament run.
Robert Morris Season Summary
The Colonials were great in the Horizon League and won the conference tournament to return to the NCAA Tournament. They are on fire winning 10 straight games heading into the 1st Round. Their offense has been mediocre. They are 98th in points scored, 158th in field goal percentage, and 124th in three-point percentage.
Robert Morris’ defense has also been middling. They are 134th in points allowed, 181st in opposing field goal percentage, and 186th in opposing three-point percentage. Guard Kam Woods, born in Alabama is the team’s leading scorer. Forward Alvaro Folgueiras is one of the nation’s best rebounders.
Final Thoughts
Robert Morris had a great season, but the Crimson Tide are National Title contenders. It is tough to see a path for the Colonials to emerge victorious. Even though Alabama gives up a boatload of points and struggles to shoot from downtown, Robert Morris will not be able to exploit those weaknesses. If Robert Morris can lose by fewer than 20, it would be a moral victory.
