RMU Falters Late on the Road Against YSU

As a 10.5-point underdog, Robert Morris looked to go into the Beeghly Center and upset rival Youngstown State.

Sitting third in the Horizon League standings, the Penguins took care of business, defeating the Colonials 87-77 to sweep the season series.

Youngstown State thrived off of a trio of scorers that reached the 20-point plateau as the Penguins climb to 11-5 overall and 19-8 in conference.

Brett Thompson led all scorers with 27 points, while DJ Burns recorded an impressive double-double burying 24 points and adding 17 rebounds.

DJ Burns 🔥🔥🔥

🔽 Burns 3rd 👌 of the half.

📺 ESPN+#GoGuins pic.twitter.com/LGK8ZKHSjn

— YSU Men's Basketball (@YSUMensHoops) February 15, 2024

For the RMU, Josh Corbin registered a team-high 26 points as he nailed six from long range.

With the Colonials trailing by double digits early in the second half, Corbin and company turned red hot beyond the arc as RMU knocked down five straight triples without missing.

Corbin added three treys during that stretch as RMU tied it at 52-52.

We're tied!!!! #GRIT pic.twitter.com/puqXKeEs1F

— RMU Basketball (@RMUMBasketball) February 15, 2024

However, YSU regained its lead as Thompson and Burns continued to have their way against the Colonials’ defense.

The Penguins pulled out to its biggest lead at 12 points with 6:03 to go as the Colonials tried to maintain pace.

RMU would pull within six after Corbin was fouled and hit all three free throws. But, it would be too little too late for the Colonials.

YSU shot 39.7 percent from the floor (29 of 37) and hit eight triples on the night.

The biggest difference came as the Penguins grabbed 49 boards to just 37 for the Colonials.

RMU converted on 41.5 percent (27 of 65) of its shots, while they went 41.7 percent (10 of 24) from outside.

Stephaun Walker recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Justice Williams and Markeese Hastings contributed with 17 and 15 points, respectively.

The Colonials fall to 10-17 overall and 6-10 in conference before they head to Dayton, Ohio on Saturday to face Wright State at 1 p.m.