INDIANAPOLIS — Josh Omojafo delivered an impressive performance with 24 points and 13 rebounds, propelling Robert Morris to an 89-78 victory over Youngstown State on Tuesday night in the Horizon League Tournament final, thereby earning a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament.
The Colonials (26-8) are set to make their ninth appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Their last outing in this prestigious contest was in 2015 when Robert Morris triumphed over North Florida in the First Four before bowing out to top seed and later champions, Duke, in the opening round.
Omojafo wasn’t alone in shining on the court; all five Robert Morris starters achieved double-digit scores. Kam Woods contributed 17 points, Alvaro Folgueiras tallied 14, Amarion Dickerson added 13, and DJ Smith posted 11 points.
Robert Morris took control of the game early and never relinquished the lead. Youngstown State (21-13) saw a commendable effort from Juwan Maxey with 23 points and Nico Galette with 21, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
The Colonials initiated the match with an 11-0 run, forcing the Penguins to fight back with a 14-6 surge. A 3-pointer from Maxey with 2:22 remaining in the first half brought Youngstown State close at 30-29, but Robert Morris still led 34-29 at the break.
Cris Carroll’s 3-pointer later trimmed the gap to 54-52 with just over 11 minutes left, but Folgueiras answered with a long-range shot of his own two minutes later, ensuring Robert Morris maintained the edge.
The Colonials then widened the gap, going on an 11-5 run over four minutes with Folgueiras, Ryan Prather Jr., and Omojafo each sinking 3-pointers. Folgueiras’ decisive 3-pointer, with 2:33 remaining, secured Robert Morris’ largest lead at 78-65.
Youngstown State’s struggles in conference finals continued as they now hold an 0-4 record in these championship scenarios.
