Jones scores 21, Nwigwe hits key free throws as Robert Morris defeats Long Island 66-58

Robert Morris holds off Long Island 66-58

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Velton Jones scored 21 points and Robert Morris defeated Long Island 66-58 on Thursday night.

Mezie Nwigwe added 20 points, including going 10-for-10 from the foul line, and Ron Robinson had 12 for the Colonials (13-8, 8-1 Northeast Conference). The win kept the Colonials tied atop the conference with Quinipiac.

The Colonials led 32-29 at halftime and neither team led by more than four points until the final seven minutes. Leading 56-54 with 2:36 to play, the Colonials were 8-for-8 from the free throw line the rest of the way.

Gary Wallace and Nwigwe each canned two free throws in the final 17 seconds.

The Colonials have won six straight and nine of their past 10.

Jamal Olasewere scored 13 points to lead the Blackbirds (8-12, 6-3). Kyle Johnson added 11 and David Hicks had 10 for the Blackbirds, who lost for the fifth time in the past six games in the series.