Robert Morris had clinched at least a bye in the Horizon League Tournament but was also still in the running to win the regular-season title for the first time since joining the league. They faced Milwaukee, another of the top teams looking to host a second-round game in the tournament.
The game was close early on, with the Colonials up 28-26 at halftime. However, the offense went into gear, with the team racing out to a double-digit lead. The defense, one of the best in the Horizon, was able to keep the Panthers at arms length to get a 72-59 victory to clinch at least a two seed in the tournament. Here are the keys to victory.
1. DJ Smith's second half breakout
One of the reasons how RMU was able to score 44 second-half points was due to Smith, who scored all 15 points in the final 20 minutes. That includes a trio of threes and a pair of three-point plays to give them a healthy lead. The Colonials have their Big 3, but when Smith and Ryan Prather give them consistent production, they're a hard team to beat.
2. 2nd half rebounding effort
Entering the game, Milwaukee was one of the best rebounding teams in the nation. And they showed it with nine early offensive rebounds, converting enough to keep them in the game. But RMU dominated the boards in the second half, finishing with a 42-33 advantage, including getting 13 of their own. Alvaro Folguerias, who also is in the top-10 nationally in rebounds, had 10 to Jamichael Stillwell's 10. When you beat the Panthers at what they do best, you're going to win most of the time.
3. Kam Woods all-league play
Woods was one assist shy of a triple-double on Friday against Green Bay. And he was close again, finishing with 15 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists. He's not only going to be a candidate for Horizon League Player of the Week but it's the kind of late performance that can push Woods onto the postseason All-Horizon League squad.