When the draw for the 2025 NCAA Tournament came out, Robert Morris had one of the toughest matchups possible. The Alabama Crimson Tide was their opponent, a top-10 team throughout the season, scoring over 90 ppg.
Early on, it looked as if Alabama would boat race the Colonials, up 28-18 midway through the first half. But RMU kept it close, trailing just 40-34 at the halftime break. The Tide had another double-digit lead before the Colonials made another comeback, this time to take a one-point lead with under seven minutes to go.
RMU’s historic campaign ends in a 90-81 loss to Alabama, led by 25 pts and 9 rebounds from Amarion Dickerson. Still a lot to be proud of if you’re a Colonial fan this season. pic.twitter.com/VzdQJYWs6a
— Tristan Freeman (@hoopsnut351) March 21, 2025
The last segments didn’t go RMU’s way, with foul calls and a cold offense from the underdogs allowing Alabama to retake the lead and race out to a 90-81 victory to advance to the Round of 32.
Here are some takeaways from the defeat of the Colonials.
1. Amarion Dickerson’s heroic game
Amarion Dickerson with no hesitation 👀#MarchMadness @RMUMBasketball pic.twitter.com/jduzgRmGum
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 21, 2025
The 6’7 forward is known for his defense and athleticism, earning Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year. But Dickerson was the focal point of RMU’s offense this time around, leading the team with 25 points, nine rebounds, and a pair of blocks in the second half. His own 6-0 scoring run when the game was getting dicey for them allowed the team to come back and take that short lead. His all-around play was vital for the Colonials, and he was the best player on a floor with top 50 prospects on the other side.
2. Kam Woods’ struggles
One theme for RMU has been living and dying by the senior guards’ inefficient tendencies. Woods finished with eight points on 3/18 FG. He did, however, produce eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and two blocks, as his perimeter defense proved to be helpful as well. Yes, Woods’ didn’t have the greatest scoring game, but his all-around playmaking and defense were also a key part of the team staying within range.
3. Another comeback effort
One defining theme for the 2024-25 RMU Colonials was its ability to come back from double-digit deficits. They were down 17 at home to Towson before its largest-ever comeback win, while also coming back from 13 down in the second half against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in the Horizon League semifinals. RMU was down 10+ multiple times against Alabama before coming back to take a lead. They weren’t able to hold on but the resiliency and toughness showed in the 40 minutes in Cleveland and throughout the season may be what is most remembered about the team.
Coach Andy Toole said postgame that this was the "greatest team" in RMU Basketball history and based on the results and how they played, it's hard to argue.