Robert Morris Colonials vs Alabama Crimson Tide Pick – 3/21/2025

The NCAA Tournament's first round features an intriguing matchup between the 15th-seeded Robert Morris Colonials and the 2nd-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide. Scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2025, at 12:40 p.m. Eastern Time in Cleveland, this game pits a surging mid-major against a high-powered SEC contender.

Robert Morris Colonials vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Game Preview

Robert Morris enters the tournament with a 26-8 record, having clinched both the Horizon League regular-season and tournament titles. The Colonials are riding a 10-game winning streak, showcasing a balanced attack led by sophomore forward Alvaro Folgueiras and senior guard Kam Woods. Folgueiras averages 14.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, while Woods contributes 15.1 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per contest. The team scores 76.9 points per game and allows 70.4, shooting 45.1% from the field and 35% from three-point range.

Alabama boasts a 25-8 record, finishing third in the SEC with a 13-5 conference mark. The Crimson Tide lead the nation in scoring at 91.1 points per game, shooting 48.3% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc. Senior guard Mark Sears spearheads the offense with 18.7 points and 4.9 assists per game. However, the team faces a potential setback with senior forward Grant Nelson, who averages 11.8 points and 7.6 rebounds, listed as questionable due to a knee injury sustained in the SEC tournament semifinals.

Betting Insights

• Point Spread: Alabama favored by 22.5 points.
• Over/Under: 166.5 points.
• Moneyline: Alabama -7143, Robert Morris +2000.

Alabama's high-scoring offense contrasts with its defensive vulnerabilities, allowing 81.4 points per game. Robert Morris, while an underdog, has demonstrated resilience and efficiency, particularly during their current winning streak. Bettors should consider Alabama's potential defensive lapses and the impact of Nelson's possible absence when evaluating the spread and total points.

Robert Morris Colonials vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Prediction

Alabama's offensive prowess is undeniable, but their defensive inconsistencies and Nelson's uncertain status could provide Robert Morris with opportunities to keep the game competitive. The Colonials' balanced scoring and recent momentum suggest they can exploit these weaknesses. While Alabama is likely to secure the win, Robert Morris is poised to cover the spread. Expect a high-scoring affair, with the total points potentially exceeding the over/under line.

Prediction: Alabama 90, Robert Morris 71.