JACKSON, Tenn. - 11/24/2008 - The No. 12 ranked Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ University Bulldogs knocked off No. 2 Robert Morris (Ill.) College, 99-93, at the Gentile Center in Chicago, Ill. With the win, the Bulldogs advanced to 5-1 on the season, while Robert Morris dropped to 5-2.
This marks the second time this season that Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ has defeated the Eagles of Robert Morris. The first came back on Nov. 8 at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ, when the Bulldogs topped Robert Morris at home, 103-100 in overtime. The two losses to Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ are the only blemishes on the Eagles' schedule.
The game began with Robert Morris in control, building an advantage over Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ. The Eagles took their lead up to as many as six points, but the Bulldogs started to chip away. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ pulled even with Robert Morris with just under 11 minutes to play in the first half, 23-23. Over the next six minutes the Bulldogs and Eagles swapped baskets, before knotting the score up again, 33-33. However, with five minutes left in the first half, the Bulldogs took a 35-33 lead and never looked back. Thanks in part to solid free-throw shooting, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ ended the half on a 17-10 run to take a seven point lead into the half, 50-43.
After the break, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ picked up right where they left off, taking their lead up to 10 points less than two minutes into the second half. The Eagles did not back off as they pulled within four points of the Bulldogs several times over the following minutes. With a little under six minutes left on the clock, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ stretched their lead to the largest of the game at 14 points, 82-68. Robert Morris continued continued to push and cut into the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ lead. However, more clutch free throws down the stretch kept Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ with at least a three possession lead late. A Robert Morris three pointer as time expired closed the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ win to six points, 99-93.
On the night, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ was led by Matt Neaville with 26 points and eight assists. Brian Lake added 18 points for the Bulldogs, while Greg Truvillion posted his second double-double in as many games, with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Tacuma Alexander recorded 12 points for Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ, and Antoione Joseph added 11 points in the win.
Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ shot 50-percent from the field, including 45-percent (9-20) from three point range, and 79-percent (22-28) from the free throw line.
Robert Morris was led by Kenny Page with 20 points in the game. Reggie Bunch and Jeff Wilson each added 17 points for the Eagles, while Andre White posted 15 points. DeAndre Thomas recorded 10 points for Robert Morris.
Robert Morris shot 49-percent from the field, including 38-percent (6-16) from behind the arc, and 49-percent (17-35) from the free throw line.
Next up for Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ will the annual Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Thanksgiving Classic. The Bulldogs first match up will be Friday, Nov. 28 versus Williams Carey (Miss.) University. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ plays again on Saturday, Nov. 29 against No. 9 McKendree (Ill.) University.
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