In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, No. 2 Alabama avoids a scare from No. 15 Robert Morris.

March Madness, by its very nature, is a time for unpredictability, where upsets and surprises are not just possible but expected. The opening round of the NCAA Tournament is the stage where David often battles Goliath, and while many of the lower-seeded teams face long odds, they come in with nothing to lose and everything to gain. That was certainly the case in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament, where the No. 2 seed Alabama Crimson Tide found themselves in a much closer contest than anticipated against No. 15 seed Robert Morris.

Alabama, with their high-powered offense, depth, and elite defensive play, was widely considered one of the favorites to make a deep run in this year’s tournament. In stark contrast, Robert Morris, a mid-major program from the Northeast Conference, entered the tournament as a huge underdog. However, as is often the case with March Madness, the outcome was far from a foregone conclusion. Despite being overmatched on paper, Robert Morris gave Alabama all they could handle, pushing the Crimson Tide to the brink in a game that will go down as one of the more thrilling and dramatic opening-round matchups.

The contest ended in a 77-71 victory for Alabama, but the game was a test of grit, composure, and clutch execution, especially for a team used to dominating opponents. This article will delve deep into how Robert Morris pushed Alabama to the edge and how the Crimson Tide managed to survive and advance to the next round of the tournament.

Setting the Stage: Expectations and Nerves

Entering the first round, Alabama was the No. 2 seed in the East Region and was expected to breeze past Robert Morris. They had a balanced, high-scoring offense led by Brandon Miller, a potential NBA lottery pick, and an elite defense that was one of the best in the nation. Coach Nate Oats had cultivated a squad with depth, athleticism, and a fast-paced offense that could overwhelm almost any opponent. Many analysts had pegged Alabama as a Final Four contender and even a potential national champion.

On the other hand, Robert Morris was coming into the tournament as a No. 15 seed after an impressive performance in their conference tournament. Despite being a smaller program, the Colonials were known for their disciplined defense and team-oriented play. They entered the game with nothing to lose and a singular mission: to shock the basketball world by pulling off an upset over a much higher-ranked team.

The anticipation around this game was filled with the typical excitement and hype that surrounds a No. 2 vs. No. 15 matchup, but Alabama knew not to take Robert Morris lightly. The Crimson Tide’s players were aware of the historical upsets that can happen in the first round and had no intentions of letting their guard down, but the opening moments of the game told a different story.

A Rocky Start: Robert Morris Throws a Punch

From the opening tip-off, it became clear that Robert Morris was not going to play the role of a typical 15-seed. The Colonials came out with an aggressive, scrappy approach and took it to Alabama right from the start. Alabama’s offense, which normally thrives on fast breaks and high-scoring runs, was stifled by the disciplined and methodical defense of Robert Morris. The Colonials slowed the tempo, forcing Alabama into a more half-court game, something they weren’t entirely comfortable with.

Robert Morris’ defense was suffocating, forcing Alabama into tough shots and limiting their fast-break opportunities. They matched Alabama’s physicality and intensity, and as a result, the game was much closer than many had anticipated. The Colonials were led by Kahlil Thomas, a senior forward who played with great poise, and Jalen Hawkins, a sophomore guard who was more than capable of scoring and creating his own shots. Both players took turns making key plays early in the game, with Hawkins knocking down critical jumpers and Thomas dominating the paint on both ends.

For Alabama, it was clear that Brandon Miller and Jahvon Quinerly would need to be the catalysts if they were going to avoid an early exit. However, despite their best efforts, the Crimson Tide struggled to find a rhythm. Miller, who has been one of the most dominant players in college basketball this season, was repeatedly double-teamed and had trouble getting clean looks. Quinerly, usually a steadying force, was inconsistent, missing several open shots and turning the ball over at critical junctures.

At halftime, Alabama found themselves trailing by a 39-35 margin, with Robert Morris riding high on their defensive success and the momentum they had built. The Crimson Tide had been frustrated and had not played up to their usual standards. The Robert Morris crowd, though far smaller, was electric, sensing that they might be witnessing something special.

Second Half: Alabama’s Fight for Survival

With their backs against the wall, Alabama came out for the second half with a renewed sense of urgency. Coach Nate Oats, known for his ability to make adjustments on the fly, quickly went to work to alter his team’s strategy. One of the key adjustments came on the defensive end. Oats switched from a traditional man-to-man defense to a 2-3 zone, hoping to stifle Robert Morris’ dribble penetration and force them into contested shots. The change was immediately effective, as Alabama’s length and athleticism in the zone began to disrupt Robert Morris’ offensive flow.

On the offensive side of the ball, Alabama turned to Brandon Miller to take over. Miller, who had been quiet in the first half due to the physical defense of Robert Morris, started to find his rhythm in the second. He was more aggressive with the ball, looking for his own shot, but also making plays for his teammates. Miller scored 12 points in the second half alone, hitting crucial three-pointers and driving to the basket with authority. His ability to create offense both for himself and for his teammates was vital in keeping Alabama within striking distance.

Alabama also got important contributions from Jahvon Quinerly, who started to settle down and play with more confidence. Quinerly used his veteran presence to take over the game in critical moments, scoring key buckets and helping Alabama regain the lead. He finished the game with 16 points and 5 assists, showcasing the kind of poise and leadership that Alabama needed to survive the scare.

But even as Alabama started to find their rhythm, Robert Morris refused to back down. They continued to play with heart, and their shooting remained solid. Kahlil Thomas, who had been a presence in the paint all game, continued to battle Alabama’s big men, collecting offensive rebounds and finishing tough layups. Hawkins, too, continued to score, hitting timely jumpers that kept Robert Morris within striking distance.

The lead see-sawed back and forth throughout the second half, with neither team able to gain a commanding advantage. At one point, Robert Morris regained a brief 61-58 lead, and the tension in the arena was palpable. Alabama’s players looked rattled, and it appeared as if the unthinkable might happen.

Clutch Time: Alabama’s Resolve and Robert Morris’ Missed Opportunities

With the clock ticking down and the game entering its final minutes, Alabama finally began to show the poise that had carried them to the top of the SEC standings. Noah Clowney, the talented freshman forward, made his presence felt on both ends of the floor. His athleticism and shot-blocking ability became key factors as he altered several shots in the paint and grabbed crucial rebounds. His work on the boards, particularly on the offensive glass, allowed Alabama to extend possessions and prevent Robert Morris from capitalizing on their opportunities.

With 2:30 left, the score was tied at 69-69, and the game was as intense as it had been all night. Alabama, despite their struggles, knew that they had the talent to close out the game. It was at this moment that Brandon Miller asserted himself. After a series of back-and-forth possessions, Miller drained a three-pointer from the top of the arc to give Alabama a crucial 72-69 lead with 1:45 remaining.

From there, Alabama executed with precision, relying on their defensive prowess to stifle Robert Morris in the final moments. Despite a strong effort by Robert Morris to respond, Alabama forced several tough shots and secured critical rebounds. As time wound down, Robert Morris, unfortunately, couldn’t make the key plays they needed to complete the upset. Alabama eventually pulled away, winning by a final score of 77-71.

Postgame Analysis: Lessons Learned and What’s Next for Alabama

Though Alabama survived the scare, this game highlighted some vulnerabilities in their armor. For one, their offense, which has been explosive throughout the season, appeared disjointed at times, particularly in the first half. Brandon Miller, who finished with 25 points, showed why he’s one of the best players in the country, but his teammates weren’t as consistent as they needed to be. Jahvon Quinerly and Noah Clowney both had flashes of brilliance, but their performances were uneven, especially early on.

Moreover, the Crimson Tide struggled defensively in the first half, allowing Robert Morris to dictate the pace and take control of the game. Coach Oats’ defensive adjustments in the second half were crucial in helping Alabama regain control, but it’s clear that Alabama must tighten up their defense as the tournament progresses.

On the other hand, Robert Morris deserves credit for their valiant effort. They played with heart and determination and