RMU takes down SHU, Wagner up Next

The Colonials pulled out a gutsy road win against Sacred Heart on Thursday. Robert Morris improved to 8-9 in the NEC, defeating the Pioneers 73-63. Andy Toole has been stressing defense with this team all year, and finally, his team produced. Rodney Pryor led the way for the Colonials, scoring 26 points and grabbing nine rebounds.

Pryor continued his hot streak on Thursday, proving to many people that being named NEC preseason player of the year wasn't a mistake. The player most likely to be named NEC player of the year, Cane Broome, scored 21 points on 8-21 shooting for Sacred Heart. Broome is only a sophomore and is arguably the best player in the Northeast Conference. He, like Pryor, can carry his team by himself and will be the player circled on the opposing team's scouting report come NEC playoff time.

Kavon Stewart (11 points) and Billy Giles (16 points) also had nice performances, and while freshman Matty McConnell is currently in a shooting slump, he continues to play hard and make an impact in other ways. It would be a bonus and much needed offense if McConnell can start knocking down shots like he was in the beginning of the season. Sacred Heart is in a four-way tie for second place and heading into the final day of NEC play, there is so much unknown as far as seeding and match-ups in the postseason.

Speaking of a potential first round matchup in the NEC tournament, Robert Morris travels to Wagner on Saturday for their final game of the regular season versus the Wagner Seahawks.

Wagner sits all by themselves atop the NEC with a 12-5 record. The Colonials are currently the eighth seed, sitting with a record of 8-9. Bashir Mason is one of the more underrated coaches in the NEC and even with the offseason loss of star Marcus Burton, Mason has his team in first place and playing a high level of college basketball. The Seahawks are led by Corey Henson, currently averaging 13.7 ppg.

Michael Carey has also had a nice season for Wagner, doing it on the offensive and defensive end of the floor. Carey is scoring 11.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, as him and Mike Aaman, who only plays 19.0 minutes per game, combine to make a powerful rebounding frontcourt.

Michigan State transfer Dwaun Anderson has also made an impact, scoring just over 10.0 ppg, however, Anderson has struggled from beyond the arc this season. Steven Whitley, who sometimes has been caught napping on the wing of the 2-3 zone, will have to be cognizant of Anderson's athleticism.

He can quickly beat his man off the dribble and finish around the rim. Similar to the Sacred Heart game, this game will be about defense. Rodney Pryor will get his points, but can the Colonials buckle down for a full 40 minutes and play a complete game of basketball?

It's the final game of the regular season, so this one is a tune up for both teams. With the possibility of meeting again next week, you wonder if either team will come out a little conservative. Both teams want to end on a high note; who will come out on top? Tune into necfrontrow.com at 4:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon to find out.