Duquesne Vs. Robert Morris: Dukes Suffer Setback

For the second consecutive year, the Robert Morris Colonials defeated Duquesne, downing the Dukes 65-60 at the A.J. Palumbo Center Wednesday.

The Colonial's stifling defense gave the Dukes usually explosive offense fits, holding them to 38.1 percent shooting for the game while thwarting Duquesne's attempts to get their fast-paced scoring attack going.

Duquesne's leading scorer, Sean Johnrson, was held to just four points after he had scored at least 13 points in ever game this season going into tonight. Fellow wingman B.J. Monteiro had just four points at halftime before coming back in the second half to end the night with 13.

The Dukes were able to hold a 32-28 advantage at halftime, and a slim lead through much of the second half courtesy of Eric Evans. Coming into the night shooting a paltry 14.8 percent (4-for-27) from behind the arc, Evans made three of six attempts and led the team with 16 points.

The poise of Colonials would be the difference, as RMU committed just 13 turnovers despite the usual furry of Duquesne pressure throughout the contest. A 7-2 Robert Morris run to end the game would be the difference after the Dukes lead by as much as seven points in the second half.

Forward Lijah Thompson scored a game high 17 points with key baskets coming down low. Three other Colonials scored in double figures as Russell Johnson scored 15 points, Velton Jones scored 13 points and Anthony Meyers scored 10.

Duquesne's T.J. McConnell struggled mightily, shooting just 2-for-9 while committing three turnovers.

Things will only get tougher for the Dukes, as their next game will be against the Big Ten's Penn State Nittany Lions Saturday at CONSOL Energy Center. Keep it to SBNation Pittsburgh for full coverage of the contest.