RMU Allows 38 Points to Green Bay in 34-Point Road Victory

Robert Morris men’s basketball bounced back in a major way from a three-game losing streak Saturday night in conference play. Sometimes, nothing works for a team no matter the opponent or circumstances. Saturday was one of those days for Green Bay. 

The Colonials (9-12, 4-6 Horizon League) dominated a struggling Green Bay squad (2-19, 1-9 Horizon League) in the second half and overcame a sluggish beginning. RMU handed the Phoenix their 11th-straight loss in a 72-38 road victory. 

The first half was ugly in multiple different ways on both sides. RMU shot 37.5% through the first 20 minutes including 0-of-7 from behind the arc.The Colonials also turned the ball over 12 times but maintained the lead throughout the entire half, once as high as eight. RMU dominated the glass, winning the rebounding battle 23–10 thanks to a 7-1 mark on the offensive glass.

Kahliel Spear led the way, totaling 10 points on 5-of-10 shooting and four rebounds. Following his first board of the game, Spear became the 19th player to surpass 500 rebounds as a Colonial. 

There it is! 🏀

Thanks to his first board tonight at Green Bay, fifth-year forward Kahliel Spear has become the 19th member of the RMU 500-Rebound Club!

Congrats, Kahliel!#BobbyMo | 🔵🏀🔴 | #RMUnite pic.twitter.com/KU0gPLZ5oj

— RMU Basketball (@RMUMBasketball) January 22, 2023

Jackson Last added five rebounds while Enoch Cheeks struggled offensively, scoring two points but grabbing four boards.

Green Bay only made 6-of-25 (24%) field goals and made 1-of-10 three-point shots. Guard Randy Tucker managed the brunt of the offensive output, scoring nine on 4-of-5 shots. The Phoenix turned the ball over five times in the first half and recorded four steals, but missed shots plagued the program from snapping a 10-game losing streak. 

Placed one spot below RMU in the conference standings, Green Bay never materialized a consistent offensive attack to keep pace with the Colonials in the second half. Play remained sloppy and unorganized for Green Bay following the intermission, but the light turned on for Robert Morris. 

The Colonials outscored Green Bay 53-21 in potentially their best half of the season, especially in conference play. Spear paced RMU in a complete team effort, totaling 19 points and six assists. 

RMU shot 25-of-50 (50%) from the floor and picked up its three-point shooting, registering a 5-of-8 line in the second half. Cheeks added 13 points and a game-best eight assists. TJ Wainwright and Michael Green III each recorded seven points off the bench while Last finished with a team-high seven rebounds.

Green Bay only made 11 field goals on 51 attempts. The Phoenix shot 2-of-21 (9.5%) from deep and were out-rebounded 42-23. RMU powered past Green Bay on the road, allowing the fewest amount of points to any opponent this season. The previous mark was 49 points against DIII Pitt Greensburg.

The two-win squad turned the ball over two fewer times than RMU (17-15) and faced its largest deficit to close the game at 34 points. Tucker was the only Phoenix in double figures, totaling team-highs in points (11) and rebounds (7).

Robert Morris returns home Friday night at 7 p.m. hosting all-time three-point leader Antoine Davis and Detroit Mercy.