YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio  — From up 11 at halftime to down nine at the midway point of the second half, Robert Morris used a gritty comeback to grind out a 72-66 victory at Youngstown State on Saturday evening, completing the season sweep over the Penguins. With the win, RMU improves to 16-10 overall and 8-7 in the HL, while YSU slips to 12-13 and 5-9 in the HL.
 
DeSean Goode scored 24 points, and Ryan Prather Jr. added 16 points and recorded six assists. Darius Livingston contributed 12 points with three successful shots from beyond the arc, while Kaleb Brown added 10 points and Nikolaos Chitikoudis collected nine rebounds.
 
Cris Carroll led Youngstown State with a game-high 20 points. Bryson Dawkins added 16 points and secured five rebounds, while Rontavious Blackshear contributed 12 points, connecting on four 3-pointers.
 
1st HALF
The game began with six ties and three lead changes until a Prather jumper put RMU ahead 25-19 midway through the half. Chitikoudis then scored back-to-back baskets to increase the Colonials' lead to 32-23 with 5:20 remaining. At the 1:38 mark, a Livingston 3-pointer moved the score to 39-28, marking the largest lead of the game for RMU. Prather closed out the half with a layup to give the Colonials a 41-30 lead at the break.
 
2nd HALF
Youngstown State opened the second half with a 24-4 run, taking a 54-45 lead over the Colonials by the midway point. At the 7:07 mark, a Goode 3-pointer cut the deficit to 57-52 and started a 15-2 run that allowed RMU to regain a 64-59 lead with 3:14 remaining.
 
The teams remained scoreless until 1:18 left, when Carroll was fouled on a 3-point attempt and made all three free throws to bring the Penguins within two. On the following possession, Goode hit a 3-pointer with 50 seconds to play, giving RMU a 67-62 advantage. Carroll and Prather then exchanged layups, with Prather converting a free throw after being fouled on his shot. Goode sealed the win for the Colonials with two free throws with four seconds remaining.
 
HEAD COACH ANDY TOOLE
"I'm really proud of the effort to come out and win the game on the road. We took good care of the ball almost the entire 2^nd half against some good defenders and physical athletes. An unsung hero tonight was Kaleb Brown, he had a solid game - 10 points, big threes in front of our bench. You never know when your number is going to get called or you're going to get an opportunity. You have to stay ready."
 
UP NEXT
The Colonials continue their Ohio road trip with a visit to Cleveland State on Thursday, February 12. RMU then returns home to the UPMC Events Center for a clash against Oakland on Sunday, February 15. The three-game stretch concludes with a rematch on the road at Wright State on Sunday, February 22.

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