New Britain, Conn. – A masterful defensive effort helped the Robert Morris University women's basketball team to its ninth consecutive win as it toppled Central Connecticut, 62-39, this afternoon in Northeast Conference (NEC) play from Detrick Gymnasium.
Robert Morris (17-9, 12-3 NEC) held Central Connecticut (9-17, 8-7 NEC) to just 22.2 percent shooting (12-of-54) and a total of three field goals over the second and third quarters. This is the seventh time this season that the Colonials have forced their opponent into a sub-30 percent shooting performance and eight occasions where they have allowed fewer than 50 points, with this afternoon's performance of 39 points being a season best.
"We worked hard all week defensively and I've said since day one that defense is our backbone," said head coach Charlie Buscaglia. "We have to go out there and make sure that we're staying accountable and working hard. Central [Connecticut] can create good looks with their offense, so we had to lock in and make them uncomfortable. A lot of their shots were contested and they took a lot from the outside, so we did just that."
RMU never trailed in the contest, setting the tone early by picking up the first 11 points. Making her first start since Jan. 28 at Mount St. Mary's, Nia Adams took advantage of the opportunity by scoring four early points. Seven different players registered a basket in the opening frame as the Colonials raced out to a 22-12 advantage.
The gap grew to 38-16 at halftime, as the visitors nearly matched a program record for points allowed in a quarter. The Blue Devils could only manage four points in the stanza, with RMU holding the hosts to 1-of-12 from the field. Nia Adams and Shakema Dashiell, who each registered season-highs in scoring with eight points apiece, tallied 15 of their combined 16 points in the first half.
"I thought they [Nia Adams and Shakema Dashiell] stepped up and played well," said Buscaglia. "Shakema came in and knocked down some big shots, which set the tone. She didn't force anything and played with a good pace. Nia did a great job getting to the basket and taking care of the ball over her 37 minutes, which is the most she has ever played. I was proud of her for handling those minutes so well."
The Colonial centers, Nneka Ezeigbo and Mikalah Mulrain, combined for 22 points on 10-of-14 shooting. Ezeigbo led all scorers with 12 points in 13 minutes, while Mulrain nearly posted a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds.
"I was very proud of our team today with the passion that we came out with," said Buscaglia. "We played very accountable basketball. With Anna Niki [Stamolamprou] being out today, we had to step up as a team and focus in on doing the little things well. We were really tough and gritty on the defensive end."
RMU's current winning streak of nine games is tied for the fourth longest in program history and is only surpassed by
The Colonials doubled up CCSU in the paint, scoring 36 points at the rim compared to the hosts' 18.
Robert Morris completes the road slate of its regular-season schedule when it plays Bryant on Monday, Feb. 20. Opening tip is set for 8:00 p.m. and the game can be seen on ESPN3.
