Robert Morris Edges Northern Kentucky in Overtime Thriller
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Truist Arena
Robert Morris Colonials 92, Northern Kentucky Norse 89, 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 Robert Morris Colonials vs Northern Kentucky Norse?
Robert Morris Colonials beat Northern Kentucky Norse 92-89 at Truist Arena on January 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Robert Morris Colonials vs Northern Kentucky Norse?
Northern Kentucky Norse were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -305 (about 75% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling overtime finish, the Robert Morris Colonials defeated the Northern Kentucky Norse 92-89 at Truist Arena on January 18, 2026. This game was notable not only for its close score but also for the dramatic back-and-forth action that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. The Colonials' victory marked a significant moment in their season, as they had been struggling with a three-game losing streak prior to this matchup.
Before the game, Northern Kentucky held a home record of 14-7, while Robert Morris boasted an away record of 12-8. The Norse had been in solid form at home, winning 7 of their last 10 games and averaging 83.6 points scored per game, while allowing 74.2. Their recent performance included a decisive 96-71 victory against the Detroit Mercy Titans just days before this game. In contrast, the Colonials had a mixed record of 5-5 in their last 10 games, with an average of 78.8 points scored and 79.6 points allowed. They entered the game on a three-game losing streak, which included a narrow 96-93 loss to the IU Indianapolis Jaguars.
Historically, the matchup had been competitive, with Robert Morris holding a 2-1 advantage in their last three meetings against Northern Kentucky. Their most recent encounter before this game was on December 30, 2025, where the Colonials lost to the Norse 79-77. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the game, as both teams were eager to assert their dominance.
The game began with both teams trading baskets, showcasing their offensive capabilities. However, it was the Colonials who managed to pull ahead in the overtime period. Key plays included a driving layup by Nikolaos Chitikoudis, which put Robert Morris ahead momentarily, and crucial free throws from LJ Wells that helped secure the lead. The final moments were tense, with both teams exchanging leads before Darius Livingston's free throws sealed the victory for Robert Morris.
In terms of betting, DraftKings had priced Northern Kentucky as 7.5-point favorites, with a total set at 153.5. The odds reflected the Norse's strong home performance and recent scoring averages, but the Colonials defied expectations with their gritty performance.
The game was played under typical indoor basketball conditions, with no notable weather factors affecting play. Fans witnessed a high-paced game filled with scoring runs and defensive stands, making it a compelling matchup for basketball enthusiasts.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a showcase of talent from both sides. Northern Kentucky's offensive prowess was on full display, but Robert Morris's resilience ultimately led them to victory. The game highlighted the importance of clutch performances in high-pressure situations, particularly in overtime, where every possession counts.
In conclusion, Robert Morris's victory over Northern Kentucky not only ended their losing streak but also provided a thrilling spectacle for fans. The game underscored the competitive nature of college basketball, where any team can rise to the occasion and pull off an upset.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NKU -7.5 | 153.5 o -105 / u -115 | Robert Morris Colonials +245 · Northern Kentucky Norse -305 |
Leaders
- PointsDonovan Oday38Northern Kentucky Norse
- AssistsTae Dozier5Northern Kentucky Norse
- ReboundsLJ Wells8Northern Kentucky Norse
- PointsRyan Prather Jr.23Robert Morris Colonials
- AssistsNikolaos Chitikoudis3Robert Morris Colonials
- ReboundsNikolaos Chitikoudis11Robert Morris Colonials
Recent form
Northern Kentucky Norse
Last 10: 7-3Streak W183.6 scored · 74.2 allowed per game4-2 at home
- W96-71vs Detroit Mercy TitansJan 16
- L78-80at Green Bay PhoenixJan 11
- W85-67at Milwaukee PanthersJan 10
- W94-79vs Youngstown State PenguinsJan 4
- W81-72vs IU Indianapolis JaguarsJan 1
- W79-77at Robert Morris ColonialsDec 30
- L74-85vs Charleston CougarsDec 21
- L77-82vs Oakland Golden GrizzliesDec 18
- W80-76at Bellarmine KnightsDec 13
- W92-53vs Brescia BearcatsDec 10
Robert Morris Colonials
Last 10: 5-5Streak L378.8 scored · 79.6 allowed per game3-3 away
- L93-96at IU Indianapolis JaguarsJan 15
- L74-79vs Purdue Fort Wayne MastodonsJan 11
- L73-96at Oakland Golden GrizzliesJan 4
- W85-77at Detroit Mercy TitansJan 3
- L77-79vs Northern Kentucky NorseDec 30
- 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
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 | Robert Morris Colonials | Northern Kentucky Norse |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-65 | 28-66 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 11-28 | 6-26 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 23 |
| Free throws | 21-31 | 27-37 |
| Free throw % | 68 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 47 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 34 | 25 |
| Assists | 16 | 16 |
| Steals | 8 | 8 |
| Blocks | 1 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 30 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 44 |
| Fouls | 26 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 3 |
| Lead changes | 21 | 21 |
| Time in front | 71 | 17 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half62-58Ta'Zir Smith makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half62-60Dan Gherezgher makes 3-foot jumper
- 2nd Half64-60DeSean Goode makes layup (Albert Vargas assists)
- 2nd Half64-61Kael Robinson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-62Kael Robinson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-62Ta'Zir Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-62Ta'Zir Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-63Donovan Oday makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-64Donovan Oday makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-66Tae Dozier makes 5-foot alley oop dunk (Donovan Oday assists)
- 2nd Half66-67Donovan Oday makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-68Donovan Oday makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-68Ryan Prather Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-68Albert Vargas makes 24-foot three point jumper (Nikolaos Chitikoudis assists)
- 2nd Half73-68Ryan Prather Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half73-69Donovan Oday makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-70Donovan Oday makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-70Albert Vargas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-71LJ Wells makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-72LJ Wells makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-72Ta'Zir Smith makes 27-foot three point jumper (Ryan Prather Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half77-75Donovan Oday makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dan Gherezgher assists)
- 2nd Half79-75DeSean Goode makes layup (Nikolaos Chitikoudis assists)
- 2nd Half79-77Dan Gherezgher makes driving layup
- 2nd Half80-77Kaleb Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-77Kaleb Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-78LJ Wells makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-81Donovan Oday makes 25-foot three pointer
- OT81-83Donovan Oday makes layup
- OT83-83Nikolaos Chitikoudis makes layup
- OT84-83Ryan Prather Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT84-85LJ Wells makes layup (Tae Dozier assists)
- OT86-85Nikolaos Chitikoudis makes driving layup
- OT86-87LJ Wells makes layup
- OT88-87DeSean Goode makes layup
- OT88-88LJ Wells makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT88-89LJ Wells makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT90-89Ryan Prather Jr. makes driving layup
- OT91-89Darius Livingston makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT92-89Darius Livingston makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Northern Kentucky Norse, below favours Robert Morris Colonials.
Venue
- Truist ArenaHighland Heights, KY
- Attendance2182
- OfficialsJim Bruno, Scott Arbogast, Todd Van Sossan
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- 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
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Norse Edge Colonials in Thrilling FinishDec 29, 2025