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RMU Basketball: Preview of 2024 Urban-Bennett Invitational Tournament

Villanova v Robert Morris
Villanova v Robert Morris / Mitchell Layton/GettyImages
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Many multi-team events (MTE) to watch in November, including some notable non-conference tournaments. Some smaller ones fly under the radar, including the one hosted by Robert Morris at home. It’s called the Urban Bennett Invitational and was brought to you by RMU alum Russ Olsen.

The 1-2 Colonials are one of four teams in this event, with three others participating from Thursday to Sunday. Here’s a breakdown of the event and who else is playing.

Stonehill Skyhawks - 1-2 (RMU plays Thursday)

W over Framingham State
Losses to Notre Dame and Providence

The lead scorer for the Hawks is Todd Brogna, who’s averaging 13.0 ppg and 5.7 rpg and is 4/7 from deep. The stretch forward shot just 39% from the field in 18 starts a year ago, while Incarnate Word transfer Josh Morgan (11 pgg) is the top guard in the backcourt. Stonehill shot 52 three-pointers in games against the Friars and Irish, so expect them to launch many shots this weekend.

Lindenwood Lions - 1-1 (RMU plays Friday)

W over St. Louis College of Pharmacy
Loss to Oklahoma

With only two games against vastly different competition, there’s not much to know about the Lions. But one early surprise is 6’5 freshman guard Jaden Jones, who is averaging 12.0 ppg and 7.5 rpg so far. Markeith Browning, who RMU fans will know from his days at Milwaukee, leads the team with 12.5 ppg. 

New Orleans Privateers - 0-2 (RMU plays Sunday)

Losses to Kansas State and Troy

Two players have emerged as leading scorers so far. UAB transfer James White (18.5 ppg and 8.0 rpg) is a former top-100 prospect and a potential All-Southland player to watch this season. And 6’3 sophomore Jah Short (16.5 ppg on 52% shooting) is in the early stages of a breakout campaign after producing 6.3 ppg as a freshman starter. New Orleans can score, but the defense is an early concern.

3 keys for RMU in this event

Playing without Kam Woods and Justice Williams

The Colonials have been without senior guard Williams to start the season, whose status remains unknown this weekend. The bigger concern is Woods, the NC State transfer and starting point guard, who suffered an ankle injury in the last game and was seen on crutches at one point. There’s a real chance he won’t be available for any of the three games, leaving backup ball-handlers DJ Smith and freshman Dien Miller as guys who’ll need to step up this weekend. Someone else whose injury status is unknown is Antallah Sandlin'El, a sophomore forward who got hurt in the first game of the season.

Play of Alvaro Folgueiras

There were plenty of expectations for the sophomore forward entering the season, but he was off to a slow start, shooting six FG attempts in the first two games. Folgueiras bounced back with 19 points against Chatham, but that’s not a D-I opponent. These three games will be a good test of his development.

Ryan Prather’s emergence as a go-to guy

One early revelation for RMU Basketball has been Prather, a 6’5 guard transfer from Akron who currently leads the team with 12.7 ppg, shooting 67% from three-point range (8/12 3PT). Without potentially Woods and Justice, the Colonials need double-digit scorers daily. So far, the sharpshooter looks to be up to the task.

Next. Latest top-25 power rankings. Latest top-25 power rankings. dark

Entering Thursday, Lindenwood (347), New Orleans (350), and Stonehill (361) are some of the lowest-ranked teams in the country per KenPom. However, Robert Morris (301) isn’t vastly superior and is dealing with injury issues. This is a wide-open tournament, and anyone can win. But as the home team, the Colonials must find a way to win them.