By Loveth 
Robert Morris head coach Andrew Toole knows his team has a huge challenge ahead. After learning they’d face Alabama in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Toole didn’t sugarcoat the situation—his team is up against a powerhouse.
“You definitely get everyone’s attention when Alabama pops up on the bracket,” Toole said after Selection Sunday. The 15-seed Colonials are set to take on 2-seed Alabama in Cleveland on Friday, and the Crimson Tide is the clear favorite.
That doesn’t mean Robert Morris is backing down. Toole emphasized that his team is locked in and ready to prepare. “It doesn’t take much to get our guys’ attention,” he said. “Alabama had one of the best seasons in college basketball. They were a Final Four team last year, and they’re dynamic. We know we’ve got a lot of work to do before Friday, but I know our guys will come out with energy and be ready to swing.”
Alabama has been ranked in the AP Top 10 all season, and Toole is well aware of the talent they’re up against. He also has some history with Alabama’s head coach, Nate Oats, from his time at Buffalo. “We knew we’d be facing a top-tier team, whether it was a 14 or 15-seed matchup,” Toole said. “Alabama is a great program with a great coach. We played Nate Oats when he was at Buffalo, so we’re a little familiar with him. But across the board, they’re bigger, faster, potentially stronger, and more talented. We have to figure out a way to compete as a team.”
Robert Morris enters the tournament on a hot streak, winning eight straight games and securing the Horizon League title after beating Oakland and Youngstown State. Toole hopes that momentum will carry over.
“Our mindset is to prepare as best we can, be aggressive, and come out swinging,” he said. “We’ve been playing with that mentality for the second half of the season—dictating the game to our opponent. Alabama will be the best team we’ve faced all year, so we have to be even better and more connected.”
The Colonials know they’re the underdogs, but they’re ready to fight.