Over the last few years Robert Morris men’s basketball has been known to struggle in the early stages of their season. But, this year seems too concerning to just to brush off as another slow start. The Colonials will be heading into their next game with an abysmal 1-7 record.
Home Sick
Thus far, after eight games, Bobby Mo has had the pleasure of playing in only one home game. After their 81-71 home loss to Bucknell on November 18, the Colonials traveled away for four games to play in the Air Force Classic, followed by an away game at Youngstown State.
Robert Morris started their road trip matching up against Air Force. Rodney Pryor would finish the game with 25 points, but his team would fall short 64-52, being outrebounded by 36-47 and shooting only 33 percent from the field.
New Mexico State would then host Bobby Mo in Las Cruces in the second game. Elijah Minnie put up arguably one of his best games at the collegiate level netting 29 points with a shooting percentage of 61. His production would be nothing but a mute point on an 81-71 overtime loss where the Colonials nabbed only 28 rebounds and allowed the Aggies to shoot 50 percent from the field.
Robert Morris’ defense would be absent in an 85-72 loss to Tennessee Tech. Losing the battle on the boards again, Head Coach Andy Toole’s squad gave up too many second chance points and collapsed in the second half shooting only 37 percent and finding themselves behind by 17 points late in the game.
Bobby Mo finally found their first win of the game against Mississippi Valley State in a close 67-64 game. Pryor finished the game with 17 points and 12 rebounds leading his team to finally ridding of the goose egg in the win column. The defense played much better outrebounding the Delta Devils and produced well offensively shooting 45 percent.
Lastly, the Colonials finished their road trip against Youngstown State in a 58-65 loss. Digging themselves a first half hole, Robert Morris couldn’t make up the difference and would have their only lead at the beginning of the first half.
The Good
As discouraging as this start may be, keep this in mind: Last season Robert Morris lost five out of the first seven of their games. The year before that they lost seven of their first ten, at one point losing five in a row.
Historically, the Colonials fair much better in conference play, which is set to start at the beginning on January. Pryor has also has had an amazing season, and needs more support. If there is an emergence of one or two playmakers, expect the offense to begin clicking at a better rate.
The Bad
Robert Morris has struggled significantly on the boards against their opponents. Their opponents are averaging more rebounds per game this season (39.5) than last season (36.1). The Colonials, because of their smaller stature, have always seemed to struggle somewhat in this area, but this season it seems to have become the achilles heel of this defense.
The Ugly
It is important to remember Toole’s defense demands more out of players than what a traditional mid-major team would. Using a sliding zone, it is crucial that all players keep moving and adjust to the ball.Appearing lethargic and stagnant at times, the defense has just played poorly giving up 80 or more points in four of their eight games this season. Bobby Mo must become more disciplined on defense if they expect to turn their year around at all.
What’s Next?
Robert Morris will play host to the Oakland Golden Grizzlies (3-3) this Saturday at 4p.m. at the Sewall Center in Moon Township.
Photo Credit: RMU Athletics
