Robert Morris lost its third game in a row Friday night, this time in crushing fashion on the road. RMU faced Cleveland State and fell 57-55 in a low-scoring affair.
The Colonials (11-15, 6-9 Horizon League) struggled to find a consistent offensive attack and shot only 39.6% from the floor overall. Cleveland State led by one, 30-29, at the halftime break. RMU shot 36.7% in the first half and struggled from behind the arc. Andy Toole’s team totaled a 2-of-13 (15.4%) mark from three and committed just four turnovers.
Enoch Cheeks paced RMU with 10 points in the first 20 minutes, the only player in double figures during the first half. Stephaun Walker added eight points and six rebounds while Kahliel Spear registered both five points and rebounds.
The Vikings weren’t much better from the floor, making 11-of-31 shots (35.5%) and an impressive 3-of-7 (42.9%) from three. RMU had more assists (6-4) and fewer turnovers (6-4) despite the loss. Tristan Enaruna and Drew Lowder both recorded seven points in the first half.
Robert Morris shot better in the second half, 43.5%, but could not overcome 10 second-half turnovers. RMU trailed by as much as 12 but fought back in the final 10 minutes. A one-point game with six minutes left, the Vikings created separation and again would be tested. RMU tied the game at 53 with under three minutes remaining and took the lead on a Jackson Last jumper at the 1:08 mark. Lowder tied it up again at 55 and won on a Deante Johnson layup with two seconds on the clock.
Spear played 38 minutes and totaled 11 points and nine rebounds. Cheeks played 37 to score a team-best 17 points. Walker registered a double-double at 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Deshon Parker (12), Lower (11), Enaruna (11), and Johnson (10) all scored in double figures in the victory, shooting 34.4%.
Robert Morris returns to the floor Sunday at 1 p.m. against Purdue Fort Wayne.
