In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, No. 2 Alabama narrowly escapes an upset, overcoming No. 15 Robert Morris in a tense, thrilling game.

The opening round of the NCAA Tournament is often full of surprises, with high seeds facing unexpected challenges from lower-seeded teams. In 2025, one of the most thrilling first-round matchups came between the No. 2 seed Alabama Crimson Tide and the No. 15 seed Robert Morris Colonials. This game, which many expected to be a one-sided affair, turned into a nail-biting contest that had fans on the edge of their seats. Alabama, despite their higher seeding and dominant season, found themselves in a battle for survival against a determined and gritty Robert Morris team.

Ultimately, Alabama was able to hold on and avoid a major upset, but the game wasn’t without its moments of tension, excitement, and uncertainty. In this article, we’ll break down the key moments of the game, the standout performances, and how Robert Morris came so close to pulling off one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history. Additionally, we’ll examine what this win means for Alabama as they move forward in the tournament and the challenges they’ll face in the subsequent rounds.

The Setup: A Tale of Two Teams

Before diving into the specifics of the game, it’s important to understand the contrasting stories of these two teams heading into the tournament.

Alabama: A Season of Dominance

Alabama entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament as one of the most formidable teams in the field. Head coach Nate Oats had led the Crimson Tide to a sensational season, one that included an SEC regular-season title and an appearance in the SEC Tournament final. Alabama was widely regarded as one of the top contenders for the national title, thanks in large part to a high-powered offense, aggressive defense, and deep roster.

Key players like Brandon Miller, Noah Clowney, and Mark Sears had been at the forefront of Alabama’s success all season long. Miller, a potential NBA lottery pick, had been one of the most electrifying players in college basketball, providing Alabama with scoring, playmaking, and leadership. Clowney, with his length and athleticism, had been a key force on both ends of the floor, and Sears had been an outstanding point guard, controlling the offense and making plays.

Alabama’s strength was their ability to overwhelm opponents with their up-tempo style of play and depth. They were an elite team, and expectations were high heading into the tournament. Alabama was expected to make a deep run and had the talent to do so.

Robert Morris: The Underdogs with a Chip on Their Shoulder

On the other hand, Robert Morris entered the tournament as the No. 15 seed, having won their conference tournament and secured an automatic bid. While the Colonials were certainly excited to be in the tournament, few people outside of their fan base gave them much of a chance against a powerhouse like Alabama.

However, Robert Morris had a few key traits that made them a dangerous team: resilience, team chemistry, and a never-say-die attitude. Under head coach Andy Toole, the Colonials were a scrappy team that had learned to thrive under pressure. Players like Ethan Thompson and Khalil Spear had been key contributors all season, providing scoring and leadership. Thompson, in particular, had been a breakout star during Robert Morris’ conference tournament run, and his ability to create offense would be crucial if the Colonials were to stand a chance against the heavily favored Crimson Tide.

Robert Morris entered the game with the mindset that they had nothing to lose and everything to gain, and this underdog mentality played a key role in the intensity they brought to the game.

The First Half: Robert Morris Stuns Alabama

From the opening tip-off, it was clear that Robert Morris was not going to back down. Alabama, known for its high-flying offense and aggressive defense, was initially expected to take control of the game. However, Robert Morris had other plans.

The Early Surge by Robert Morris

The Colonials came out firing in the first half, taking advantage of Alabama’s slow start. They executed their offense with precision, using ball movement and timely shooting to break down Alabama’s defense. Ethan Thompson, the team’s star guard, was instrumental in keeping Robert Morris in the game early. Thompson’s ability to score both inside and from beyond the arc gave Alabama fits, as they struggled to contain him on defense. He finished the first half with 14 points, including several clutch three-pointers that kept Robert Morris within striking distance.

Meanwhile, Khalil Spear was a force in the paint, both as a scorer and a rebounder. He muscled his way to 10 points and 6 rebounds in the first half, constantly challenging Alabama’s defense with his toughness. The Colonials’ ability to score efficiently and attack the basket put Alabama on the defensive, and they were caught off guard by the pace at which Robert Morris was playing.

Alabama, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm early in the game. While they were getting good looks, the shots weren’t falling. Brandon Miller, usually a reliable scorer, was facing tight defense and had difficulty getting open looks. Mark Sears, typically a stabilizing presence, was having trouble orchestrating the offense, with Robert Morris applying constant pressure on the ball.

As the first half wore on, Robert Morris continued to execute their game plan with precision. The Colonials were not only shooting well but were also winning the battle on the boards, limiting Alabama’s second-chance opportunities. By halftime, Robert Morris had managed to build a surprising lead, holding a 41-35 advantage over Alabama. The Crimson Tide had been caught off guard, and it was clear that they would need to make adjustments in the second half if they wanted to avoid an early exit.

The Second Half: Alabama Fights Back, but Robert Morris Holds Firm

Coming out of halftime, Alabama knew they had to tighten up their defense and play with more urgency. Coach Oats had to rally his team, reminding them that they couldn’t afford to underestimate their opponent. The Crimson Tide had the talent and experience to win, but they needed to execute better on both ends of the floor.

The Tide Starts to Roll

Alabama came out of the locker room with a renewed sense of focus, and it didn’t take long for them to make up some ground. Brandon Miller, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, started to find his rhythm. He knocked down a couple of mid-range jumpers, then followed it up with a three-pointer to help Alabama cut the deficit to just two points. The crowd, which had been somewhat subdued in the first half, started to come alive as Alabama’s offense began to click.

However, Robert Morris refused to fold. Every time Alabama made a run, the Colonials had an answer. Spear continued to dominate inside, scoring on tough post moves and grabbing key rebounds. Ethan Thompson remained a steady presence, adding more points and helping to create opportunities for his teammates.

As the game neared its final minutes, Alabama found themselves trailing by just one possession. With less than three minutes remaining, Robert Morris led 71-69. At this point, Alabama’s talent started to shine through. They turned up the pressure on defense, forcing a couple of key turnovers and getting out on the fast break.

The Final Push: Alabama’s Defense Makes the Difference

With the game on the line, Alabama’s defense finally began to take control. Noah Clowney, one of the best defenders on the team, made an important block on a layup attempt by Spear, preventing what could have been a critical basket. The block not only shifted momentum in Alabama’s favor but also set up a fast break that led to a crucial three-pointer by Miller, putting the Crimson Tide up 72-71 with under two minutes to go.

Robert Morris had one last chance to reclaim the lead, but Alabama’s defense, now in full gear, made sure that they couldn’t get a clean shot off. With less than 30 seconds left, Robert Morris turned the ball over again, and Alabama was able to run out the clock, securing a hard-fought 74-71 victory.

Key Moments: A Tale of Two Halves

• Robert Morris’ First-Half Surge: The Colonials’ ability to execute their offense and play with poise was a major factor in their ability to lead at halftime. Their efficient shooting, strong rebounding, and ability to score in transition made them a formidable opponent.
• Brandon Miller’s Clutch Performance: Despite struggling in the first half, Miller stepped up when it mattered most, scoring key baskets and hitting crucial shots down the stretch. His leadership was invaluable in Alabama’s comeback effort.
• Defensive Adjustments by Alabama: The Crimson Tide made key adjustments in the second half, tightening up their defense and putting more pressure on Robert Morris’ ball handlers. This change helped to create turnovers and transition opportunities that swung the momentum in Alabama’s favor.
• Ethan Thompson’s Heroic Effort: Although Robert Morris fell short, Thompson’s performance was a standout. His 24-point effort kept the Colonials in the game, and his clutch shooting had Alabama on the ropes multiple times.

What This Win Means for Alabama Moving Forward

While Alabama managed to escape with the win, this game revealed some vulnerabilities that they’ll need to address as they move forward in the tournament. Their slow start and struggles with perimeter defense could be an issue against stronger, more talented teams. However, the ability to fight through adversity and come out on top speaks to Alabama’s resilience, and their experience and talent will make them a dangerous team in the coming rounds.

As they head

into the second round, Alabama will need to clean up their execution, especially on offense, and ensure they’re playing at the high level they’ve been known for all season. If they can do that, they’ll remain one of the top contenders for the national title. However, they’ll need to avoid complacency and make sure that they’re not caught off guard again.

For Robert Morris, while the loss is heartbreaking, their performance in this game was a testament to their grit and determination. The Colonials can hold their heads high after a valiant effort against one of the best teams in the country. Their performance is one that will be remembered as one of the most exciting and unexpected moments of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.