RMU Basketball Wins Home Opener Against Pitt Greensburg

The Robert Morris men’s basketball team has earned its first win of the new season.

Hosting Pitt Greensburg in the 2022-23 home opener, RMU played a complete 40 minutes on the offensive and defensive ends in its 84-49 victory against the Bobcats.

RMU (1-1) never trailed after the first two minutes of play when Pitt Greensburg (1-1) led 4-2, setting the table for a strong night inside the UPMC Events Center. 

The Colonials jumped out to a 23-9 advantage halfway into the first half as six different players scored for RMU during that span. 

Andy Toole’s team pushed the lead to 20 points at the 7:23 mark on a Kahliel Spear jumper, breaking away from a Pitt Greensburg team that turned the ball over seven times in the early going. 13 points from Enoch Cheeks led all scorers with the Colonials leading 45-24 at the half as the junior made all five shots he attempted.

Robert Morris made 16-of-29 (55%) of its shots in the first 20 minutes. After making only four threes and shooting under 17% Monday night against Ohio State, RMU dramatically improved its stroke from deep.

The Colonials were 9-for-15 (60%) behind the arc in large part to perfect performances from Cheeks (3-for-3) and TJ Wainwright (2-for-2). 

Rebounds and turnovers have been two of the major categories that dictate the final outcome of recent RMU matchups. The Colonials out rebounded the Bobcats 17-13 and turned the ball over three less times after the first-half horn.

Pitt Greensburg totaled an 11-for-28 (39%) mark from the field and struggled like the Colonials did against a higher-level conference opponent. The team made 2-of-12 threes and did not attempt a free throw before the second half.

Wainwright added nine points and Jackson Last had six before play resumed.

Jojo France paced Pitt Greensburg totaling 12 points.

Both teams traded turnovers to start the second half in a sloppy frame of play. RMU capitalized on opportunities close to the basket and finished off a solid amount of layups.

The Colonials pushed the lead to 61-33 with 11:12 remaining in the game, out matching the Bobcats and exerting their will on the opposition.

The team played as it should against the DIII program to tip-off the home schedule on the right foot.

RMU continued to push the ball offensively and played strong on the defensive side in the lopsided 35-point win.

Last and Stephaun Walker stood out as impactful newcomers. Last scored 10 points including two threes on seven attempts. Walker added nine points and tied for a team-high five rebounds. 

Spear also registered five rebounds as well as seven points and three assists. 

Winthrop transfer Josh Corbin struggled shooting for the second game in a row but found his stroke late, scoring 12 points, all on three pointers (4-of-8 shooting).

11 players saw the floor for RMU combining to shoot just under 51% from the field and an even 50% (14-of-28) from behind the arc. 

The Colonials limited Pitt Greensburg to a 32% mark shooting and played strong perimeter defense. The Bobcats made only two triples on 22 attempts, making none in the final 20 minutes. 

France was the only Bobcats player in double figures (23 points) while Reggie Priah (eight) chipped in the next highest point total. RMU outscored Pitt Greensburg 39-25 in the second half. 

Michael Green III (flu) did not play once again after being held out against Ohio State. 

Robert Morris returns to the floor one week from today hosting West Virginia Wesleyan at 7 p.m.