Robert Morris and Missouri State met for the first time in history Friday night at JQH Arena. The two started nervous, turning the ball over a combined 21 times in the first half.
But the Bears, who showed composure at the free-throw line late, eased to a 74-60 win.
Robert Morris returned four starters from last season’s sixth place team in the Northeast Conference.
“I am proud of our guys able to hang on there for what we feel like was a good win against a veteran team for sure,” head coach Dana Ford said.
The Bears were able to keep the ball out of the middle of the floor the majority of the night to keep the Colonials best scorer, senior guard Josh Williams, at bay.