FORT WAYNE, IN – It is the start of a new era for the Robert Morris men’s basketball team (1-2) as they travel to Indiana to take on Purdue Fort Wayne (1-2, 0-2 Horizon) in their first-ever Horizon League matchup.

The Colonials and Mastodons are both competing in their inaugural seasons in the Horizon League as they will battle it out in a two-game set this weekend with Saturday’s start time at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday’s tip-off at 5:00 p.m.

Recapping RMU

Robert Morris completed its non-conference schedule with a 1-2 record following back-to-back losses against Bowling Green (5-2, 1-0 MAC) and Marshall (6-1). The Colonials did not lead for a single moment in either of these games and were plagued by turnovers as they totaled an abysmal 38 over the span of these two contests. AJ Bramah paced the Colonials once again in both of these games with 20 and 18 points, respectively.

Scouting Purdue Fort Wayne

The Mastodons have also been conflicted by COVID-19 complications as nine of their matchups have been either canceled or postponed. In their first-ever Horizon League matchup, they dropped both games of a two-game series to Cleveland State (2-3, 2-0 Horizon). Cleveland State was able to hold off late rallies for Purdue Fort Wayne in both games to defeat the Mastodons.

Players to Watch

Kahliel Spear (RMU) – Spear recorded 27 minutes on the floor at Marshall, while putting together a solid stat line in his first full game in a Colonial uniform. He was third on the team in scoring with 13 points, adding two three-pointers on three attempts. The 6’7” forward led RMU with three blocks showcasing his defensive abilities, which will be on display this weekend. Spear had a great showing against Marshall and will only get better in the weeks ahead.

Enoch Cheeks (RMU) – Cheeks has started all three games thus far for the Colonials but has failed to reach double-digits in any of those contests. However, the freshman has been able to create takeaways, registering seven steals through three games, which is the second-best on the team. His rebounding ability has also been on display as he is averaging five per game, also the second-best on the team. Look for him to reach the double-digit mark for the first time in his career this weekend.

Jarred Godfrey (IPFW) – Godfrey is coming off of a strong performance against Cleveland State where he had 23 points with five buckets coming from beyond the three-point arc. The senior has been reliable from downtown as he is shooting 50% from three-point range. He can be a dangerous scorer against the Colonials this weekend with his speed and range.

Bobby Planutis (IPFW) – The 6’8” forward has been the most reliable scorer behind Godfrey, averaging 12.7 points per game. He has also controlled the glass so far this season for the Mastodons leading the way with five offensive rebounds. Planutis’ 50% field goal percentage leads his squad with players who have double-digit attempts. Godfrey and Planutis will be the go-to duo for Purdue Fort Wayne this weekend.

Prediction

The Colonials look to start of their Horizon League era on the right foot as they will in the first matchup with a 72-68 win. However, they will split the series with a 65-60 victory for Purdue Fort Wayne on Sunday.