RMU blows by St Francis Brooklyn

Eight guys, and eight guys only. A tough road game against a league contender. Robert Morris hasn't swept the Brooklyn trip in over a decade.

So what did this group of eight do? They won the game by 22 points, 72-50.

Lucky Jones got the Colonials started, and Karvel Anderson finished off the win, as RMU moved to 9-1 in the NEC, 14-11 overall. The win puts RMU three up on every team in the conference, except Bryant, who the Colonials lead by one game, but have won both head-to-head meetings.

Jones scored 18 first half points to help
RMU move to 9-1 in the NEC.
(Pitt Sporting News)

Translation: They're in the drivers seat.

Jones scored 18 first half points on 8-9 shooting, coming out of the gate with the teams first 11 points. Lucky has struggled a bit with his shot, but found it at the right time. The junior needed that type of half, because St Francis held RMU's star, Anderson, to zero points in the first frame.

They could only hold him down so long though.

Late in the contest, Jones and Stephan Hawkins --more on Hawk in a bit-- both picked up their fourth foul. The Colonials were up 13, but with Anderson struggling, and still six minutes left, things were a bit icy.

Anderson didn't care. He hit a step back three with a defender in his face, another three, and then a Kobe-esque step back pull up, scoring eight points on back-to-back-to-back possessions. The Colonials were now up 21 and the game was in hand.

That's what league MVP's do. Even when they're quiet, they close teams out.

Anderson and Jones finished with 31 points. All 18 of Jones' points were in the first, all 13 of Anderson's were in the second.

While Jones and Anderson were spectacular, the Colonials most valuable player was Hawkins. The sophomore finished with 11 points, four rebounds, and stayed out of foul trouble for most of the game. He gave NEC First teammer Jalen Cannon fits all game, holding him to 4-12 shooting on the night. Cannon never got going, and a lot of that credit goes to Hawk.

.@AndyToole: "I thought it was Hawk's most complete game as a Colonial. He was tough down low and was fantastic."

— RMU Men's Basketball (@RMUMBasketball) February 8, 2014

He certainly had help. Andy Toole's game planned appeared to be, clog the paint at all costs, double Cannon, and make the Terriers beat you from distance. It worked to perfection.

Speaking of Toole, he's got to be running away with NEC. Eight players, undersized, and it doesn't matter. The team is 5-1 since the suspensions. Toole has his team prepared each and every game, no matter what the opponent brings to the table, and he cant even run a full practice because of the limitations of having just eight guys.

One thing is certain, the Colonials are on a roll, and many around the league are starting to believe, even with just eight guys.

Alright. I'll give. Uncle. Robert Morris - even with 8 guys - is the best team in #NECMBB right now. Should be the favorites.
— John Templon (@nybuckets) February 8, 2014

This might be Robert Morris' most impressive, most complete win of the season. Sheer dominance on the road against a very tough team. #RMU
— Andrew Chiappazzi (@achiappazzi) February 8, 2014

A lot more to come on CTC, but for now the Colonials are 9-1, and in complete control of the NEC.

--Lee Kunkel
--@Kunkel5

Chris: Not a whole lot to add. the tone was set early by Lucky Jones who scored the games first eleven points.He may not have scored after I tweeted out what the single game points record was for an RMU player (translation: I jinxed him), but he was really, really good.

-It should be noted that St. Francis had a few key players missing from this one. Guard Brent Jones and center Wayne Martin, along with two other players, were suspended due to violation of university policy. Sound familiar? The Terriers didn't look mentally prepared to play without them.

-Loved the low post defense on Jalen Cannon. He was swarmed to by at least one extra help defender every time he touched the ball. Cannon, who is one of the best players in this conference, only went 4-12 for ten points.

-Not much more to add. The suspensions hurt St. Francis, but not to the tune of a 22 point blowout. Stephan Hawkins played very well. he is really starting to find his stroke, especially from the free throw line. One thing He has to work on is he's fading away on his jump shot too much.

Nice win for the Colonials. They'll be on the road at St. Francis (PA) next Thursday before coming home Saturday. That's all for now.