RMU had its fifth NEC matchup against the Sacred Heart University Pioneers on January 23 and even though the Colonials had six players out, with a three man bench, the team pulled together and blew out the Pioneers, 91-65.

Lucky Jones had a huge game, pulling a double- double with 18 points and 11 boards, while Karvel Anderson added 15 points. With having just a three man bench, head coach Andy Toole had to keep rotating players in to stay fresh and keep the intensity high and seven of the eight players had played over 20 minutes.

The Colonials swarming defense caused 17 turnovers and held SHU to a shooting percentage of just 45.3%. RMU gave up only 13 fouls, while SHU had 25 fouls and with the Colonials getting to the free throw line 36 times and making 27 of them, a 75% average, they felt comfortable all night long.

The team set up good offensive sets and broke down the 2-3 zone and got open shots and, as a result, RMU knocked down more than half of the shots they took, which enabled them to lock up the win early in the second half when they were up by 26 points with 9:30 to play. With about three minutes left, the Colonials led by 27 and just started to coast to the finish line.

As this was a blow out win, the team can take away many positives. Playing solid defense is a big part of the program’s success, so let’s hope they can keep up the intensity and get another win in Northeast Conference play and keep their first place spot.