No. 2 seed Alabama survived with a 90-81 win over a scrappy No. 15 seed Robert Morris team on Friday.
The Crimson Tide seemed to be in control of the game for all 40 minutes but it wasn’t easy. A gritty performance from the Colonials gave Alabama all it could handle.
Here are a few takeaways from the game.
Big Day For Omoruyi
Size was a big advantage for Alabama, and the Tide fed their biggest guy on the floor repeatedly. Clifford Omoruyi had one of his best games in crimson and white on Friday. Omoruyi went a perfect 8-8 from the field, most of which were dunks, and finished with 17 points and four rebounds. His size and active hands forced two blocks and three steals.
Outrebounded on the Offensive Glass
Despite having the height advantage, Alabama was outrebounded by Robert Morris 39-37. The Colonials took advantage of the offensive glass, pulling down 16 offensive boards and cashing them in for 15 second-chance points. The Crimson Tide had just five offensive rebounds for only four second-chance points.
Double-Double Dioubate
The Alabama bigs took advantage of the undersized Robert Morris bigs in the paint. Mo Dioubate feasted on the inside with drives to the basket and soared high to bring down big rebounds on the defensive glass. Dioubate’s tenacity was rewarded with a double-double. He finished the day with 18 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out.
Break in Case of Emergency
Grant Nelson was listed as available if needed with a knee injury, and he was desperately needed. Alabama struggled on the glass without their leading rebounder, and Nate Oats was forced to break the glass and put Nelson in the game with eight minutes left in the game. In just seven minutes of action, Nelson made an impact with five points and three rebounds. Two of his points came on a dunk that brought some energy to a Crimson Tide team that had been punched in the mouth by a feisty Robert Morris team.
Alabama will play again in the second round on Sunday. Their opponent will be the winner of No. 7 Saint Mary’s and No. 10 Vanderbilt.
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