The Robert Morris Colonials will travel to the Wolstein Center to take on the Cleveland State Vikings this Thursday night in the Quarterfinals of the KEEPS Horizon League Championship.
The 10-seed Robert Morris Colonials improved to 5-16 on the season after upsetting the Youngstown State Penguins, 77-73, in the 1st round of the KEEPS Horizon League Championship this past Tuesday. Robert Morris was outstanding defensively against Youngstown State and was able to hold on for the victory after taking a 60-42 lead with 7:12 left in regulation. Robert Morris shot 53.8% from the field & 30.8% from beyond the arc while holding Youngstown State to just 37.1% shooting from the field & 28.6% from beyond the arc. Leading the way for the Colonials was Kahliel Spear who had a double-double with 19 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, & 3 steals.
On the season, Robert Morris is averaging 69.5 ppg on 46.2% shooting from the field. The Colonials are averaging 6.0 three-pointers per game on 34.2% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Robert Morris has been led by Kahliel Spear (14.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.1 bpg), Michael Green III (10.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.2 spg), & Kam Farris (9.3 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.3 apg), & Enoch Cheeks (8.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.2 spg).
Defensively, Robert Morris is allowing their opponents to an average of 74.4 ppg on 45.6% shooting from the field. The Colonials have a rebound margin of -0.7 and a turnover margin of -2.5.
The Cleveland State Vikings finished their regular season with an overall record of 19-9 and earned the top-seed in the KEEPS Horizon League Championship after finishing conference play with a 15-6 record. Cleveland was led by their offense which comes into this game ranked 63rd in scoring offense & 22nd in FG% and although their defense struggled a bit in terms off keeping opponents of the scoreboard, ranking 192nd in scoring defense, the Vikings do currently rank 99th in defensive FG% & 27th in steals per game. Cleveland State could not pick up a signature win in their non-conference schedule with losses to BYU, Ohio, & Oklahoma State, however, the Vikings were won 10 their first 11 conference games and was able to still secure the top-seed despite losing their last two regular season games.
On the season, Cleveland State is averaging 75.6 ppg on 48.0% shooting from the field. The Vikings are averaging 6.7 three-pointers per game on 33.8% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Cleveland State has been led by D’Moi Hodge (15.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2.3 spg), Torrey Patton (13.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.5 spg), Tre Gomillion (10.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.0 spg), & Deante Johnson (7.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.2 bpg).
Defensively, Cleveland State is allowing their opponents to average 69.5 ppg on 41.8% shooting from the field. The Vikings have a rebound margin of 2.7 and a turnover margin of 1.7.
The Colonials are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games & 7-2 ATS in their last 9 March games. The Vikings are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Thursday home games and just 6-9 ATS in their last 15 home games.
Cleveland State was able to pick up wins against Robert Morris in both of their regular season games as the Vikings won on the road by a 78-77 margin in early January while also defeating the Colonials by a 75-68 margin at home in late January.
Cleveland State is no doubt the better team, however, this is a team that has struggled ATS at home this season and was 0-2 ATS vs. Robert Morris. Robert Morris has some solid weapons on the offensive end and has shot the ball well this season, ranking 68th in FG% & 30th in FT%. Cleveland State should have no issue getting a win here, however, I think this is just too many points to give Robert Morris in this one and as I expect the Colonials to keep this one within single digits, take the Colonials and the points. Good Luck!