Robert Morris defeats Youngstown St 80-77
Youngstown St Edges Robert Morris in Thrilling Conference Matchup
In a game that will be remembered for its dramatic comeback, Robert Morris (UPMC Events Center) fell just three points short to visiting Youngstown St (77-80), a result that cements the importance of this conference matchup.
The pivotal moment came at halftime, as Robert Morris erased a four-point deficit to take a 36-32 lead. This sudden shift in momentum set the tone for a back-and-forth contest that would see both teams battle for every point.
Youngstown St began the second half strong, leading by as many as 10 points during the early stages of the period. However, Robert Morris refused to back down, and with just over two minutes remaining, senior guard Ryan Odom (13 points) hit a clutch three-pointer to slice the deficit in half. The extra shot sparked an energy boost for the hosts.
Youngstown St's final push was not enough as they clung to their slim lead going into the final seconds of play.
Junior point guard, Tyler Johnson, led Robert Morris with 20 points and 7 assists, while classmate, Jalen McFadden, contributed 14 points. Youngstown St had 11 players score in double-digit scoring.
The stats paint a picture of an evenly matched contest. Youngstown St's 77-point performance was driven by their efficient shooting (58% FG) and solid rebounding efforts, with a +10 on the glass advantage. Robert Morris's 80 points came from a potent mix of 2-point shots, three-pointers, and an impressive fast break attack that capitalized on turnovers.
Advanced statistics highlighted Robert Morris's balanced performance, showcasing their exceptional free throw shooting (76% FT Rate) and strong overall efficiency offensively.
Despite the loss, this conference matchup serves as a reminder that every game is crucial in the highly competitive world of college basketball. With both teams well-positioned for playoff contention, this result sets up an intriguing rematch between these two rivals in the coming weeks.