Lehigh (1-7) at Robert Morris (1-9)

7:00 PM at the Charles L. Sewall Center

Link: Necfrontrow.com

Yes, you read that right, the record between these two teams are 2-16. The Mountain Hawks, like Robert Morris, have had a fairly difficult non-conference schedule. Lehigh was picked to finish first in the Patriot League Preseason Poll and obviously, they have not lived up to all of the hype thus far. With that being said, when conference play for both of these teams come around, it is expected to be a different story.

However, both of these programs have established themselves as mid-major powerhouses. Robert Morris has had a number of players have successful careers overseas, and Lehigh has done the same. Obviously Lehigh has the edge on Robert Morris when it comes to former players in the NBA, as C.J. McCollum is having a breakout year as the starting SG for the Portland Trail Blazers after being drafted 10th overall in 2013. McCollum actually dropped 19 points against Robert Morris the last time these two teams met, which was in the first round of the 2012 NIT. Lehigh won that game 89-60. The teams have split the all time series between the two.

Lehigh is led by senior Tim Kempton who has had his share of struggles, but comes in averaging 16.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Kempton was named the preseason player of the year in the Patriot League. He comes in at 6-10 and brings size and inside scoring. Tim will be a tough matchup for the RMU bigs, as forwards and centers have had their way with the Colonials this season. Elijah Minnie and Billy Giles are going to have to play big (they usually do) and do their best to limit second chance opportunities and stay on their feet. When I say stay on their feet, I'm referring to Tim Kempton's ability to get to the free-throw line. He is a patient, disciplined basketball player who lets the game come to him. In addition, Austin Price is also somebody to look out for due to his ability to put the ball in the basket. He is a solid 6-4 and is a very capable three-point shooter. Price averages 12.5 ppg and can score in a number of ways. I really like his quickness, especially in transition. Speaking of transition points, Lehigh PG Kahron Ross is fast and shifty. He actually kind of reminds me of Kavon Stewart. Both are above-average on ball defenders and have the capability of easily getting inside the paint. Ross is averaging 10.5 points and 6.0 assists per game.

As far as this season goes, the Colonials are playing in only their third home game of the season. If the Colonials can stop Kempton, Price and Ross, they will win this game. Lehigh, even with their tough schedule, haven't looked that impressive. They haven't played in 12 days, so a little bit of rust might be an issue early on. This is a game Robert Morris SHOULD win this game. Honestly, if they don't, that will say a lot because there will no longer be the "tough non-conference game" excuse to save them in this one. Rodney Pryor is the best player on the floor and if he plays like it, he will give his team a good chance to win this game. Coach Toole has stressed playing a full 40 minutes, as Robert Morris has lacked the energy and intensity from start to finish. Will Kavon Stewart can get going tonight? I sure hope so. Stewart, according to Chris Mueller (freelancer for BC Times and writer for DK Pittsburgh Sports) has taken 300 plus shots before practice every day in the last two weeks. He is an easy guy to root for because of his work ethic. We know he has the ability to carry this team, as he did against Bryant in the NEC tournament last year, but can he do it without more complete scorers? That's the question. He has something to prove. We are still waiting for Matty McConnell to get into a groove. He needs more touches offensively, but don't forget, Elijah Minnie took a little while to get going last season, so it doesn't click for everyone right away.

Bold prediction: Billy Giles scores 15 points and grabs 13 rebounds in a 89- 75 Robert Morris win.