Robert Morris dominated St. John's

Last night, Robert Morris defeated St. John's by a score of 89-78. Don't let the final score fool you, this was one the Colonials dominated from beginning to end. A late Red Storm run from down 26 helped them save face.

The Colonials dominated from start to finish.
NY Daily News

Karvel Anderson went bonkers last night, dropping a career high 38 on the home floor of a very, very good defensive team. He was able to get some clean looks from three to start the game due to some nifty use of ball screens but mostly because St. John's must have snoozed through the scouting report and sagged too far off of him. When they eventually decided to try and ramp up their efforts... it was too late. He did everything. Shooting off handoffs, two dribble pullups, step backs, hell, there were times where I think he was hesitating just to let his defender put a hand in his face.

Anderson wasn't alone in this one. To every Batman there is a Robin and that was Lucky Jones, who went for 25 of his own. After Karvel started the game with his 9-0 run, Lucky wanted to join in on the fun and went on his own 11-0 run to stretch an early lead to 22-6. He also set the tone by getting T'd up for a little smack talk on a four point play. I 'm always a proponent of smack talk and the rest of the team seemed to like it too by shooting some smiles in St. John's direction.

The only other player who scored in double digits was Anthony Myers Pate, who had eleven and played a beautiful game himself. Being the ball handler against a big, athletic, defensive minded team like St. John's isn't an easy task but he played his role well, dishing out eight assists to only two turnovers. It's just an added bonus when his jump shot is on.

-Interesting, under-the-radar substitution that I really liked yesterday: late in the game, when St. John's was making a run and RMU could make some offense-defense substitutions, Aaron Tate was coming in for Stephan Hawkins on the defensive end to rebound. Hawkins definitely has the size advantage, but it is Tate who has the better rebounding percentages.

-Toole's baseline play design at the end of the first half to get Lucky Jones an open three pointer was a thing of beauty. So many times we see RMU run a few screens to get a shooter open in the corner for three. This time, RMU had a stacked set, ran Chuck Oliver to the corner, but had Lucky Jones pop out to the wing. Lucky was also able to get open because Aaron Tate takes up half the court with his wide frame setting screens.

-Don't let St. John's final total of 78 points fool you: RMU was awesome on defense. They held the Red Flash to just 37.2 percent from the field --and only one made first half 2 point field goal-- and if it wasn't for some garbage time three pointers probably would have held them to under 40 percent from three too. I didn't think RMU did anything spectacular, they just had a good game plan (sag off guys around the perimeter except for Hooper) and executed.

Time for some negatives: David Appolon reportedly has a broken foot. He drove to the basket late in the first half, went up for a layup, and by the time he came down he was limping. The thirty pounds of gauze and ice around his foot/ankle area suggested it was serious. This is a shame because Appolon had really come into his the last month and a half of the season. He was getting to the hoop, playing good defense, and rebounding like a man possessed, especially on the offensive glass.

-Chuck Oliver didn't shoot the ball very well yesterday, scoring just two points on 1-6 shooting. The thing is though, I had no problem with any shot Chuck took. I want him to be aggressive and find his shot. He's a scorer. Keep shooting Chuck.

--Chris Cappella
--@C_Cappella

For a majority of my thoughts, check out my recap last night. NIT Giant Killers

Quick game summary, Karvel was awesome. That was his best game in an RMU uniform, and it could have been his last. That's a guy who didn't want his career to end. Ant also played a very good game. He tweeted out after how easy his job is when guys are cooking like that, but he still needs to facilitate. He did.

Lucky Jones was equally impressive. If Luck plays like that next season, RMU will once again be a major threat in the NEC.

No Rysheed Jordan really helped the defense contain the St. John's attack.

With David Appolon likely out, RMU will be down to seven guys against a really good team in Belmont. They can shoot it from all over the court, and are one of the better offensive teams in the country. The good news? They aren't a good rebounding team, nor do they defend well, especially from three. Karvel and Lucky should get good looks.

That game will tipoff Friday night at 9:30pm on ESPNU.

Sit back and enjoy. It could be the last game we see Karvel Anderson hoisting threes, Ant Myers Pate breaking ankles, and ....I really hate to say it....Andy Toole manning the Colonials sideline.

Two more wins to MSG.

--Lee Kunkel
--@Kunkel5