MOON TOWNSHIP– With half of Northeast Conference play behind them, the RMU women’s basketball team (14-6, 9-0 NEC) is attempting to remain perfect in 2020. The rest of the NEC is certainly trying to knock the Colonials off of their pedestal, which is why it is important for the defending NEC Champions to keep playing their game.

Against Central Connecticut State (2-19, 1-9 NEC) on Saturday, RMU outscored the Blue Devils 46-13 in the second half, launching them to a huge 80-42 win. With another game today against Bryant (5-14, 3-5 NEC), RMU has a great chance to begin conference play with a 10-0 record. With this in mind, here are three ways the Colonials can keep finding success.

Keep forcing turnovers while limiting your own

Robert Morris loves creating mischief on the defensive side of the ball. They currently lead the NEC with an average of 11 steals per game. The turnover differential also tilts heavily in favor of RMU, as the red, white and blue average six fewer turnovers than their NEC opposition. In their last game against CCSU, Robert Morris forced 23 turnovers and capitalized by scoring 29 points off of said turnovers. If trends like this continue, the Colonials can dictate the pace of any game.

Utilize your bench

Coach Buscaglia likes to get a large portion of his players involved, this is a key factor to the team’s success thus far. It isn’t a surprise to see 11 or 12 Colonials get involved in each game, and the chemistry seems to be natural no matter who steps on the court. In their last three games, the RMU bench has contributed 39, 34, and 22 points respectively. With so many weapons on your bench, the RMU can keep fresh legs on the court with no worries and continue high energy play against the rest of the NEC.

Keep playing hard on defense

It’s not uncommon to see RMU near the top of most NEC defensive categories, so it is no shock that their scoring defense is the best in the conference. Opponents shoot just over 37% against the sturdy Colonials’ defense and just 29% from deep. Their four wins by 30 points or more is a testament to how good this defense is at locking down opponents. If the defense plays at this level for the remainder of the season, it could be rough sailing ahead for anyone who matches up against them.

Be sure to stay tuned to Colonial Sports Network for updates all season long.