Robert Morris wins Northeast opener over FDU

Jan 4, 2019, 02:31 am

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- Charles Bain and Matty McConnell scored 15 points each to lead four Colonials in double figures and Robert Morris defeated Fairleigh Dickinson 69-62 in a Northeast Conference opener on Thursday night.

Yannis Mendy and Malik Petteway added 13 points apiece for the Colonials (6-8), who have won two straight after losing five in a row.

RMU came in with the conference's leading scoring defense at 69.4 a game and held the Knights (5-8), who lost their third straight, well under their 73.5 average. The Colonials also held a big advantage at the free-throw line, making 16 of 24 to 7 of 11 for the Knights.

Petteway put Robert Morris up for good at 43-42 on a 3-point play with 15:50 left and his dunk made it an 11-point edge with 8:26 remaining. The Knights rallied to within 62-60 with two minutes left but McConnell hit a long 2-pointer, Josh Williams sank three free throws and Charles Bain added two at line while FDU missed a pair of 3-pointers and committed three turnovers.

Mike Holloway Jr. scored 18 points and Jahlil Jenkins 17 for FDU.