The Robert Morris men’s basketball team overcame first-half scoring struggles to defeat the Cleveland State Vikings on the road on Wednesday, snapping an 11-year losing streak against the Vikings.
Cleveland State held the lead for the majority of the game, including a 30-26 advantage headed into halftime. RMU pulled away in the second half, outscoring the Vikings by a margin of 42-29, ending the game with a 68-59 victory, the first win in Cleveland since 2009.
Tonight, the Colonials were spurred on by 21 points from junior forward Amarion Dickerson, along with six offensive rebounds and two blocks. Horizon League Player of the Week Alvaro Folgueiras continued his dominance and logged a double double with 18 points and 10 boards on 85% shooting. Josh Omojafo also hit double digits in scoring.
The Colonials have had a lot of heartbreaking losses to the Vikings, losing by two points or less in four of the past 11 losses. In 2023, RMU lost to the Vikings in overtime in the Horizon League Quarterfinals, just missing out on their first trip to Indianapolis.
The Colonials last beat the CSU on November 20, 2012 and their first win in Cleveland since 2009. This was the Vikings first loss on their home floor this season and third loss in conference play all year.
However, this team is different. Coach Andy Toole is leading by far the best team he has had since joining the Horizon League in 2020 with an 18-8 record, now involved with a three-team tie for second place. The team also is riding a nine-gaming winning streak of their past 10 games.
The Colonials will suit up at the UPMC Event Center on Saturday, Feb 15 to face the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons on Senior Day. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.
