RMU Falls in Another Heartbreaker to Cleveland State

The Colonials offense was led by Markeese Hastings, who registered a double-double on 18 points and 11 rebounds. Hastings was a big factor on the offensive glass as the Colonials pulled down 17 offensive boards and out-rebounded CSU, 39-28.

RMU shot 42.4 percent from the floor and struggled from the free throw line, hitting just 7 of 15 (46.7 percent). Markeese Hastings led the Colonials with a double-double on 18 points and 11 rebounds.

The house of horrors that the Wolstein Center has become for RMU continued early on as the Colonials went 0 for 8 from the floor and failed to score in the first 6:30 of the contest.

Cleveland State’s leading scorer and potential NBA prospect in Enaruna set the tone early in the paint for the Vikings as he went on to score 10 points to lead all scorers in the first half.

With the Colonials off to an abysmal start, a lot of credit had to go to the Vikings’ defense as they were active and deflected the ball up to eight times in the early goings.

However, things changed for RMU after a goaltending call on Steph Walker was overturned taking away a basket for the Vikings. Then, the Colonials went on a 23-6 run.

RMU started to hit from beyond the arc, including a trio of Josh Corbin triples with one as far as the logo near midcourt.

The bench for Robert Morris was a key spark during that Colonials’ run as TJ Wainwright, Jackson Last, who returned after missing two games with a shoulder injury, and Alvaro Folgueiras all factored into the offensive production.

After the Colonials extended their lead to nine points, the Vikings fought their way back and a Drew Louder three made it 31-26 heading into halftime.

Robert Morris commenced the second half by jumping out to its largest lead of the game off a Hastings three.

Shortly thereafter, the Vikings shrank their deficit thanks to the hot hand of Jayson Woodrich, who quickly poured in three triples, along with a smooth mid-range jumper off the bench.

Continuing to hold on for dear life, the Colonials received help from key shots from Corbin beyond the arc and a spinning mid-range shot from Wainwright. Corbin finished with 15 points on five treys.

The Vikings continued to push, and it was Enaruna that lifted the Vikings to their first lead since the first half with a corner triple.

An unlikely hero also rose to the challenge with Chase Robinson hitting a triple that cemented the Vikings lead and registered as his only three points of the contest.

With the Vikings leading by two, Justice Williams had a chance to tie the game on a 1-and-1. He made the frontend, but missed the second shot, leading to Enaruna’s late basket becoming the dagger the Colonials hoped to avoid.

Trailing by three with less than 30 seconds, the Colonials attempted to drive the ball into the paint, but missed a flurry of shots as they eventually fell to the Vikings once again.

The Colonials fall to 4-6 in the Horizon League and 8-13 overall. Cleveland State moves to 6-5 in conference play and 13-9 this season.

Robert Morris continues its road trip when the Colonials take on Oakland in Rochester, Mich. On Feb. 1 with tip set for 7 p.m.