Norse Edge Colonials in Thrilling Finish
Monday, December 29, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · UPMC Events Center
Northern Kentucky Norse 79, Robert Morris Colonials 77, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Northern Kentucky Norse vs Robert Morris Colonials?
Northern Kentucky Norse beat Robert Morris Colonials 79-77 at UPMC Events Center on December 29, 2025.
Who was favored in Northern Kentucky Norse vs Robert Morris Colonials?
Northern Kentucky Norse were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -115 (about 53% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Northern Kentucky Norse narrowly defeated the Robert Morris Colonials 79-77 at the UPMC Events Center. This victory marks the Norse's continued dominance over the Colonials, extending their head-to-head record to 2-0 for the current season. The game showcased the competitive nature of both teams, each entering with identical records of 10-5, making this fixture particularly significant in the context of their respective seasons.
The Colonials have been on a solid run lately, boasting a record of 7-3 over their last ten games, with a current winning streak of three games. Their scoring average during this stretch has been 74.6 points per game, while they have allowed an average of 70.5 points. At home, Robert Morris has been particularly strong, maintaining an unbeaten home record of 5-0 this season. Their recent performances include victories against teams such as the Saint Francis Red Wolves and the Youngstown State Penguins, demonstrating their offensive capabilities.
Conversely, the Norse have also shown impressive form with a 7-3 record in their last ten games, although they are currently on a two-game losing streak. Northern Kentucky has averaged 83.4 points per game during this period, with an average of 74.0 points allowed. Their away record stands at 2-1, indicating a solid performance on the road. Recent games for the Norse include a loss to the Charleston Cougars and the Oakland Golden Grizzlies, highlighting their need to bounce back following these setbacks.
The matchup was anticipated not only for the teams' standings but also for their previous encounters. In their earlier meetings this season, the Colonials secured victories, winning 97-93 at home and 81-76 away, which added an extra layer of intrigue to this contest. This game was crucial for the Norse to assert themselves against a familiar opponent.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details about player availability, but both teams have had to navigate the challenges of maintaining a healthy roster throughout the season. The absence of key players could have influenced the game's outcome, but the specifics remain undisclosed.
As for the betting market, DraftKings set the Norse as 1.5-point favorites for this matchup, with a total point line of 149.5. The odds reflect a competitive outlook on the game, with Northern Kentucky's moneyline at -115 and Robert Morris at -105, indicating a tight contest anticipated by bettors.
The game conditions were conducive for basketball, with both teams showcasing their offensive strategies. The second half was particularly thrilling, with multiple lead changes and critical scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Notable moments included Ryan Prather Jr.'s crucial three-point jumper and Donovan Oday's layup that helped the Norse maintain their lead late in the game.
Viewers should note the intensity of the final minutes, where scoring plays became pivotal. The Norse's ability to execute under pressure, particularly with Oday's free throws, proved decisive. The Colonials fought valiantly, with Nikolaos Chitikoudis contributing key baskets to keep the game within reach, but ultimately fell short in their quest for victory.
In conclusion, the Norse's victory over the Colonials not only solidifies their standing in the league but also sets the stage for future encounters as both teams continue to vie for supremacy in their conference.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NKU -1.5 | 149.5 o -112 / u -108 | Northern Kentucky Norse -115 · Robert Morris Colonials -105 |
Leaders
- PointsDeSean Goode18Robert Morris Colonials
- AssistsAlbert Vargas6Robert Morris Colonials
- ReboundsDeSean Goode14Robert Morris Colonials
- PointsDonovan Oday16Northern Kentucky Norse
- AssistsKael Robinson3Northern Kentucky Norse
- ReboundsLJ Wells8Northern Kentucky Norse
Recent form
Robert Morris Colonials
Last 10: 7-3Streak W374.6 scored · 70.5 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W79-70at Saint Francis Red WolvesDec 20
- W80-77vs Youngstown State PenguinsDec 18
- W75-70vs Toledo RocketsDec 13
- L72-74at Milwaukee PanthersDec 7
- W80-78at Green Bay PhoenixDec 5
- W80-62vs Stetson HattersNov 30
- W61-54vs Southern Utah ThunderbirdsNov 28
- W88-74vs UIC FlamesNov 26
- L70-71at Monmouth HawksNov 23
- L61-75at St. Bonaventure BonniesNov 20
Northern Kentucky Norse
Last 10: 7-3Streak L283.4 scored · 74 allowed per game2-1 away
- L74-85vs Charleston CougarsDec 21
- L77-82vs Oakland Golden GrizzliesDec 18
- W80-76at Bellarmine KnightsDec 13
- W92-53vs Brescia BearcatsDec 10
- L77-79at Purdue Fort Wayne MastodonsDec 6
- W95-80vs Cleveland State VikingsDec 4
- W74-65vs Boston University TerriersNov 29
- W93-83vs Wofford TerriersNov 26
- W82-71vs Eastern Kentucky ColonelsNov 25
- W90-66at Central Michigan ChippewasNov 21
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wright State | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Robert Morris | 22-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Green Bay | 18-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Detroit Mercy | 17-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Oakland | 16-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Purdue Fort Wayne | 17-15 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Northern Kentucky | 20-14 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Youngstown State | 15-17 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Milwaukee | 12-20 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Cleveland State | 11-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| IU Indianapolis | 7-25 | 12 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Northern Kentucky Norse | Robert Morris Colonials |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-52 | 29-63 |
| Field goal % | 54 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 3-12 | 12-32 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 38 |
| Free throws | 20-27 | 7-14 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 50 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 23 |
| Assists | 12 | 23 |
| Steals | 10 | 3 |
| Blocks | 1 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 46 | 26 |
| Fouls | 15 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 47 | 45 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half43-41DeSean Goode makes 5-foot jumper (Ryan Prather Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half45-41LJ Wells makes layup
- 2nd Half46-41Kael Robinson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-44DeSean Goode makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ryan Prather Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half46-46Nikolaos Chitikoudis makes layup
- 2nd Half48-46LJ Wells makes layup (Tae Dozier assists)
- 2nd Half50-46Ethan Elliott makes layup
- 2nd Half50-49DeSean Goode makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kaleb Brown assists)
- 2nd Half51-49Donovan Oday makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-49Donovan Oday makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-52Albert Vargas makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ryan Prather Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half54-52Shawn Nelson makes layup (Donovan Oday assists)
- 2nd Half54-55Cam Wilds makes 26-foot three point jumper (DeSean Goode assists)
- 2nd Half56-55Shawn Nelson makes driving layup (Donovan Rakotonanahary assists)
- 2nd Half57-55Donovan Oday makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half58-55Donovan Oday makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half59-55Donovan Oday makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half59-57Albert Vargas makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-60Ryan Prather Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Eddie Cooke Iii assists)
- 2nd Half61-60LJ Wells makes 10-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half62-60Dan Gherezgher makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-60Dan Gherezgher makes 16-foot jumper (Kael Robinson assists)
- 2nd Half65-60Dan Gherezgher makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half65-62DeSean Goode makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-62Dan Gherezgher makes layup (Kael Robinson assists)
- 2nd Half69-62Ethan Elliott makes layup (Kael Robinson assists)
- 2nd Half71-62Donovan Oday makes layup
- 2nd Half71-64Nikolaos Chitikoudis makes layup (Kaleb Brown assists)
- 2nd Half73-64LJ Wells makes driving layup (Dan Gherezgher assists)
- 2nd Half73-65Albert Vargas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-66Albert Vargas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-68Nikolaos Chitikoudis makes layup (Albert Vargas assists)
- 2nd Half73-71Ryan Prather Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Albert Vargas assists)
- 2nd Half75-71Donovan Oday makes layup
- 2nd Half75-73Nikolaos Chitikoudis makes 3-foot dunk (DeSean Goode assists)
- 2nd Half77-73LJ Wells makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half77-75Nikolaos Chitikoudis makes layup (Albert Vargas assists)
- 2nd Half78-75Donovan Oday makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-75Donovan Oday makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-77DeSean Goode makes 0-foot tip in layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Robert Morris Colonials, below favours Northern Kentucky Norse.
Venue
- UPMC Events CenterMoon Township, PA
- Attendance1387
- OfficialsSteve McJunkins, Jermaine Rogers, Jourdan Love
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond