Robert Morris men run road winning streak to 4 with late victory over Youngstown State

Dave Mackall | Wednesday, January 22, 2025 9:29 p.m.

Robert Morris’ midseason surge in men’s basketball continued Wednesday night with another road victory, the Colonials’ fourth consecutive success away from UPMC Events Center.

Kam Woods’ driving layup with 2 seconds left carried RMU to a 72-70 victory against Youngstown State at Beeghly Center in Youngstown, Ohio, giving the Colonials their first four-game road winning streak in five years.

The victory avenged a 72-58 loss to the Penguins on Dec. 4 at UPMC Events Center and marked Robert Morris’ fourth consecutive win overall and fifth in the past six games.

“What a great effort by our guys tonight,” Robert Morris coach Andy Toole said. “They came out with great focus and energy.”

Robert Morris (14-7, 6-4 Horizon League) extended a 40-36 halftime lead to as many as 10 points early in the second half.

The Colonials couldn’t hold their advantage as Youngstown State (12-9, 7-4) rallied to tie the score at 70-70 on Ty Harper’s basket with 6 seconds remaining, capping a 7-1 run by the Penguins.

The Colonials won it on Woods’ court-long drive to the basket past Youngstown State’s E.J. Farmer, where Woods’ layup bounded off the back of the rim and into the hoop.

Jason Nelson’s half-court, 3-point heave for Youngstown State fell short as time expired.

“We knew Youngstown would make a charge late, which they did,” Toole said. “We were able to make just one more play.”

Woods’ 17 points led Robert Morris in scoring, and he also contributed seven assists, six rebounds and five steals.

Amarion Dickerson and Alvaro Folgueiras added 15 points apiece, and D.J. Smith finished with 13 for the Colonials, who won a game by two points for the second time in a row.

Dickerson led the Colonials with seven rebounds and added four steals.

Robert Morris also earned a two-point decision Sunday, winning at Milwaukee, 81-79, for its 700th victory since moving to Division I in 1976.

In games decided by four or fewer points this season, Robert Morris improved to 5-1.

“Guys are really playing for each other over this last stretch,” Toole said. “We’re just hoping it continues as we look to keep getting better.”

Juwan Maxey scored 22 points, and Harper added 15 to lead Youngstown State, which outshot Robert Morris, 49.1% to 42.9% overall. The Colonials outrebounded the Penguins, 36-29.

Robert Morris begins a two-game homestand on Saturday against Oakland at UPMC Events Center before entertaining IU Indy on Jan. 30. The Colonials will be be seeking a season sweep of Oakland after beating the Golden Grizzlies, 79-71, on Jan. 4 to begin their current road winning streak.