Robert Morris University (1-7) hosted the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies (3-3) in a match that ignited the Colonials to a stellar first half, but would fizzle out in the second half dropping their eighth game of the season, 92-74.
If You’re Not Talking, You’re Not Playing Defense
Well, there was a lot of talking on the Colonials’ sidelines, but not so much on the floor itself. Giving up 40 points in the first half alone, there was reason for Coach Andy Toole to yell more than actually talk.
A root cause of the defense having a hard time stopping the Golden Grizzlies was the lack of transition. “Get back! Get back!” could be heard from the Bobby Mo sideline, but to no avail the Colonials could only find their placement after the ball had already been thrown up for a shot.
The lack of communication gave Oakland players like Kay Felder and Max Hooper, who combined for 45 points, open shots that were made with ease. An overzealous defense also allowed Oakland to scrap for 50 rebounds, 13 being offensive, helping add 16 second chance points the Golden Grizzlies overall score.
Although showing good pressure on the boards in the first half, Robert Morris’ issues on defense began to surface again as they left men open and allowed the Golden Grizzlies to run past a their transitioning defense in the second half.
Bipolar Offense
Bobby Mo’s first half offensive performance was impressive as they put up 39 points against Oakland’s defense. With contributions from senior Rodney Pryor and junior Billy Giles, the Colonials were able to stay competitive and keep any deficit within a manageable range for Toole’s squad.
But, things took a turn for the worse in the second half. Shooting only 30 percent (10-33) from the field and 16.7 percent (2-12) from behind the arc, Robert Morris would prevent themselves from seeing their second win of the season. The Colonials found good shots, but players failed to land them on a consistent basis.
Where’s the Support?
Pryor, who is averaging 19.5 points per game this season, ended tonight’s game with an astounding 35 points. However, aside from that, only Giles gave the senior any support in putting up 16 points with the rest of the team combining for only 23.
Pryor also saw no help from his bench either who could muster all of one point, compared to the Oakland’s 32 points from the bench. With a number of Colonial players out of the game tonight due to sickness and other reasons, five saw over 30 minutes in playing time, but could not in any major way.
Colonial Player of the Game
Rodney Pryor looked to be one of the few players to shop up tonight in scoring 35 points, 12-23 from the field and 3-9 from the three point line. Totaling 12 rebounds as well, there is no question Pryor was the Colonials’ stud in tonight’s loss to Oakland.
What’s Next?
Robert Morris will travel to New York for their next game against the Columbia Lions on December 14 at 2:00 p.m.
