Nate Oats Reveals Grant Nelson's Bold Message Amid Alabama's First Round Win

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nazario Pangallo | Last updated Mar 21, 2025 5:01 PM ET

In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, No. 2 seed Alabama went back and forth with No. 15 Robert Morris, who entered the game as a 21 1/2 point understand. Late in the second half, the Colonials were challenging one of the SEC's powerhouse programs. Then, Alabama forward Grant Nelson changed the game.

The fifth-year senior stood up on the bench and told head coach Nate Oats, "Put me in."

Entering with 8:47 remaining in the game and a four-point going, Nelson orchestrated a strong finish from the Tide to close out the upset-minded Robert Morris. In the box score, Nelson only recorded five points and three rebounds, but his nine minutes of game time made a massive impact.

Three Alabama players finished with double-digits as Mark Sears led the way with 22 points. Center Clifford Omoruyi and forward Mouhamed Dioubate combined for 35 points.

On Friday, Alabama was outrebounded 39-37 and allowed the Colonials to grab 16 offensive rebounds while the Tide pulled in just five. Robert Morris Amarion Dickerson kept the Colonials in it with 25 points while four other Robert Morris players contributed more than 10 points.

Still, it wasn't enough as the Tide pulled out the 90-81 victory.

The Crimson Tide will face the winner of the St. Mary's versus Vanderbilt on Sunday afternoon with a berth in the Sweet 16 on the line. If the Tide can win on Sunday, it will face the winner of Saturday's Round of 32 matchup between Wisconsin and BYU. Next weekend's East Region matchups will be in Newark, New Jersey.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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