Robert Morris (10-10, 5-0) vs. Wagner (9-9, 3-2)
When: Saturday, January 25 at 4 p.m.
Where: Charles L. Sewall Center
KenPom: RMU 151, Wagner 236
Storyline: RMU will look to open up conference play 6-0 for the first time in school history while playing with an undermanned squad.
Link: NEC Front Row, ESPN radio 970 AM, RMUradio.com
Getting to know the Seahawks
Wagner came into the year as pre-season favorites in the NEC, just ahead of the Colonials. Wagner is lead by guard Latif Rivers, who averages 14 points per game. Wagner has plenty of other weapons outside of Rivers, like transfer Jay Harris who can knock it down behind the arc and defending NEC defensive player of the year Kenny Ortiz.
Wagner is extremely athletic and doesn't have much interest in settling for jump shots. The Seahawks are going to attack and attack and attack and try and wear down the interior defense of teams. Wagner as a whole isn't an entirely efficient offensive team but averages 71 points per game because they are outstanding rebounders.
Wagner might have the most sweltering defense in the NEC. As you read above, Ortiz is an outstanding one on one defender and will likely see a lot of time trying to smother Karvel Anderson. It's deeper than Ortiz though, as Wagner can substitute in a number of guards and big men who can check their opponent one-on-one or protect the rim
Playing shorthanded?
All signs point to RMU being without Mike McFadden, Juanie Newton, Jeremiah Worthem, Britton Lee, and the two walk-ons for not just this game but the rest of the year. Expect RMU to have a three man bench and for David Apoon to get the start again today.
Attacking
In the past two games, RMU has only attempted 21 three's, which is the total for most games. Toole said in Thursday's postgame press conference they made a conscious effort to attack the basket, and it paid off by shooting 36 free throws (and making 27 of them). RMU also seemed to make it a point to work it inside to the bigs early and it paid off. Stephan Hawkins had 11 first half points en route to tying a career high 12. Even Aaron Tate had a nice, quick move to the bucket early.
Staying undefeated
RMU is looking to open up conference play 6-0 for the first time in school history. The team has now started 5-0 three times.
--Chris Cappella
--@C_Cappella
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