Tide Holds Off Scrappy Robert Morris In NCAA Tournament Opener

TUSCALOOSA, AL — No. 2 seed Alabama (26-8) held off a scrappy No. 15 seed Robert Morris squad 90-81 Friday afternoon in the opening round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

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Forward Clifford Omoruyi came up big in the first half for the Tide, going 7-7 from the field for 15 points, while Mo Dioubate came off the bench for 10 as Alabama went into the locker room up 40-36.

Despite a cold start for Alabama's guards, All-American Mark Sears contributed 22 in the win to lead the team in scoring with. In an uncharacteristically quiet performance, freshman guard Labaron Philon scored just one point in 26 minutes of play.

Colonials guard Amarion Dickerson led all scorers with 25 points.

Mo Dioubate once again recorded a double-double from off the bench, with 18 points and 10 rebounds. In total, the Crimson Tide saw 41 of its 90 points come from bench players.

The win also saw the return of Derrion Reid to the lineup after the freshman missed extended time with an injury. He scored 9 points in 10 minutes of play.

Additionally, forward Grant Nelson saw his minutes limited to 7 as he returned from an injury — with Jarin Stevenson starting in his place — but still managed to score 5 points.

As a team, Alabama shot 34-58 from the floor and 6-21 from three-point range, while leading for 39:16 of the game.

Alabama will now take on the winner of Friday's matchup between Saint Mary's and Vanderbilt in Cleveland's Rocket Arena.

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