Robert Morris Advances To NEC Finals

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — Robert Morris guard Velton Jones scored 25 points Sunday to help the Colonials defeat Wagner, 71-64, and advance to their fourth straight NEC Title game.

After trailing by two at halftime, 31-29, RMU opened the second half on an 11-3 run to build a 40-32 lead with 15:55 remaining in the game. Wagner clawed to as close as three points twice the rest of the way but couldn't retake the lead.

With 12 minutes remaining, Mario Moody hit two free throws to bring the Seahawks to within three, 43-40, but Jones and Russell Johnson responded with baskets to push the lead back to seven.

Wagner closed the gap to three points again with just over a minute to play on a Tyler Murray 3-pointer, 65-62, but Jones was fouled on a 3-point attempt of his own with 30 seconds left.

Jones sunk all three free throws to effectively put the game out of reach.

Johnson scored 12 points and pulled in eight rebounds while Coron Williams added 11 points as other Colonials in double-figures.

Robert Morris advances to the NEC Champioship game Wednesday against No. 1 seed Long Island.