NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 14: Aden Holloway #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates in the 99-70 win against the Kentucky Wildcats during the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament - Quarterfinals at Bridgestone Arena on March 14, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. at Bridgestone Arena on March 14, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Alabama avoided a disastrous first-round exit, but they definitely got a run for there money . The 2-seed Crimson Tide survived a serious upset bid from 15-seed Robert Morris, pulling away late for a hard-fought 90-81 victory. Alabama finished the game on a 26-16 run.
Robert Morris gave Alabama all they could handle, thanks in large part to Amarion Dickerson, who put on an Herculean performance. The Colonials’ star nearly carried his team to an upset with 25 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, playing with relentless energy on both ends. His effort had Robert Morris leading 65-64 late in the second half, putting Alabama on serious upset alert.
But when it was all said and done, Mark Sears and Alabama’s overall talent took over. Sears was the steady hand the Crimson Tide needed, finishing with 22 points and 10 assists to guide his team through the storm. Alabama tightened up defensively in the final minutes, forcing key turnovers and knocking down free throws to finally put the Colonials away.
Robert Morris pushed Alabama to the limit, but in the end, the Crimson Tide’s depth and playmaking proved to be the difference. Alabama survives and advances, but they were given a serious wake-up call in the first round.
