There was no reason to believe that Robert Morris would be challenged in its home opener Wednesday night, and sure enough, the Colonials were on cruise control.
The opponent was Division III Pitt-Greensburg, and the Bobcats didn't put up much of fight as Robert Morris won easily, 84-49, at UMPC Events Center in Moon Township for its first victory of the season.
"We really wanted to emphasize coming into the game is making sure we were as locked in as we possibly could be on the defensive side," Robert Morris coach Andrew Toole said in a release. "We're trying to get everyone to understand that if we defend the way we're supposed to defend the offense will take care of itself. That's really where our focus has to be, and for the most part tonight I thought we did that."
Enoch Cheeks scored 20 points to lead Robert Morris, while Josh Corbin added 12 and Jackson Last 10. Ten different players scored for the Colonials, which shot 50% overall and 50% from 3-point territory (14 of 28).
The Colonials outrebounded the smaller Bobcats, 43-29, and held the visitors to 32 percent shooting. Robert Morris made 9-of-15 3s in the first half and led 45-24 at the break.
"I like that we're all willing to get better," Cheeks said. "A lot of guys have that grit in them. Everyone comes in and gets extra work, whether that's shooting every day or watching film. Guys are ready to make that extra effort, and it's something we're going to need in the long run. If we take what we learned at Ohio State and tonight and implement that throughout the season it will be helpful for us. We're starting to come together and jell."
Jojo France had 23 points for Pitt Greensburg, but no one else scored more than eight.
Robert Morris' next game also will be a team called the Bobcats, this one Division II West Virginia Wesleyan, which will visit the UPMC Events Center Nov. 16.
"We try to play the right way," Toole said. "If you're open you shoot it and if someone else is open you give them the ball. (Enoch) is a great example of when you continue to grow, develop and work the process of becoming a Division I player, it's amazing what can open up for you. Last year he made great strides throughout the course of the year. (Enoch) has a special ability to be able to affect a game defensively and with his energy, and I don't ever want him to lose that. Everyone wants to score and shoot, and that comes with understanding how to play. He's put in a lot of work. When you stay with it and continue to work, good stuff happens."
THE ESSENTIALS