The Robert Morris Colonials women’s basketball team (19-6, 12-2) played host to the Pioneers of Sacred Heart (10-16, 6-9). Sacred Heart was coming off arguably the team’s best win all year, as they upset Saint Francis in Loretto, Pa.

It was close for the first five minutes of the game. Then the physical front-court combination of Megan Smith and Mikalah Mulrain jump-started a Colonials that would last the remainder of the first quarter. The 13-0 run was capped off by a Honoka Ikematsu three-pointer in the waning seconds of the first quarter.

The Colonials never looked back. Well, not quite. The second half was turnover plagued for RMU. Sacred Heart forced nine turnovers in the third quarter alone.The pioneers took advantage and brought the game with three points. The first points for the Colonials in the second half came at the 4:19 mark in the third quarter with two Mikalah Mulrain free throws.

RMU weathered the storm. After the SHU run came to an end, the two teams traded shots. When the dust settled, the Colonials beat the Sacred Heart Pioneers 60-49.

Why it happened

The Colonials’ dominance on in the paint made the win possible. The Colonials out-rebounded Sacred Heart 34 to 21. What’s more impressive is that the RMU controlled the defensive glass pulling down 29 defensive rebounds.

“We wanted to solidify an inside presence in every game we play,” said head coach Charlie Buscaglia. “We did a good job in stretches of working inside. When we did our job, and worked hard in there, we had some good results.”

What it means

This win means that the Colonials stay at the top of the NEC. If the Colonials win every game in the remainder of the season, the path to a the NEC Women’s Basketball crown has to go through Moon Township, Pa.

Who starred

With the season coming to a close, teams often look to their seniors for leadership. This team is no different. Mikalah Mulrain had a monster game finishing with 13 points and seven rebounds.

Freshman Megan Callahan had another big game tonight as well. She finished the game with 17 points and four rebounds.

Who stumbled

The RMU offense stumbled out of the gates in the second half. The Colonials committed seven turnovers before their first points in the second half.

Who is next

The Colonials next games is against the Bryant Bulldogs (8-6 NEC, 9-16 overall). This game will be the first of back-to-back road games for the Colonials.