Behind 5 double-digit scorers, Robert Morris edges Milwaukee for 700th win in program history

Josh Omojafo and Kam Woods scored 15 points apiece to pace five double-figure scorers for Robert Morris, and the Colonials defeated Milwaukee, 81-79, on Sunday at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena for their third consecutive road win in men’s basketball.

It also was the Colonials’ third straight victory overall and fourth in the past five games.

Alvaro Folgueiras (13 points) and Amarion Dickerson and D.J. Smith (12 each) also scored in double digits for Robert Morris (13-7, 5-4 Horizon League), which notched the program’s 700th Division I victory dating to Nov. 30, 1976.

Omojafo’s dunk with 23 seconds left gave Robert Morris an 80-75 lead, but Milwaukee (13-7, 6-3) scored four consecutive points in the final 17 seconds on two free throws by Themus Fulks and Erik Pratt’s tip-in to close within 80-79.

Omojafo was fouled with 6 seconds left and made 1 of 2 free throws for Robert Morris, giving the Colonials a two-point lead.

With time winding down, Dickerson blocked Fulks’ game-tying layup attempt for Milwaukee.

The Panthers still had 0.5 seconds remaining for another chance to tie, but following the inbounds pass, they were unable to get off a shot in time.

“We knew Milwaukee was going to be extremely physical and aggressive. Our guys stood up to the challenge for a full 40 minutes,” Robert Morris coach Andy Toole said. “Numerous guys stepped up in many different ways to contribute to a very big conference road win.”

Jamichael Stillwell’s 26 points led Milwaukee, which committed 22 turnovers. Fulks and Pratt added 13 apiece and Kentrell Pullian contributed 12 for the Panthers, who were selected as preseason co-favorites to win the Horizon League championship.

The teams will meet again Feb. 23 at UPMC Events Center.

Robert Morris held a 43-36 halftime lead and built its advantage to 14 points in the second half before Milwaukee used a 14-2 run to pull within 57-55. But the Panthers never regained an early first-half lead.

Robert Morris’ road winning streak began at Oakland on Jan. 4. The Colonials began their current road trip with an 89-67 victory at Green Bay on Friday night in a game that saw them rally from a 17-point first-half deficit to take the lead with a 28-0 run during the first 10 1/2 minutes of the second half.

Robert Morris concludes its three-game road swing Wednesday night at Youngstown State. The Colonials dropped a 72-58 decision to the Penguins on Dec. 4 at UPMC Events Center.