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Hamden, CT (AP) -- Dallas Green deflected a potential game-winning shot then sank two free throws with seven seconds left as Robert Morris beat Quinnipiac 52-50 on Wednesday night for its second straight Northeast Conference championship before a sellout crowd at the TD Bank Sports Center in Hamden, CT.
Tournament MVP Karon Abraham, a freshman guard, scored 16 points to lead the Colonials (23-11), and Green and Russell Johnson each added nine. Robert Morris is headed to the NCAA tournament for the seventh time.
Robert Morris became the first NEC team to repeat as champion since Rider in 1993 and 1994.
James Feldeine had 17 points for Quinnipiac (23-9) which was seeking its first conference title, but will settle for a berth in the NIT. Justin Rutty, the NEC Player of the Year, added 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Green got a piece of Feldeine’s 3-point jumper with 10 seconds left and Robert Morris leading 50-48. His free throws gave the Colonials a four-point lead, and they held on for the win.
Robert Morris held Quinnipiac to 35 percent shooting and six second-half field goals.
Neither team led by more than three points in the second half, and both teams were in the bonus for the game’s final 7 1/2 minutes.
Robert Morris took its first lead of the second half, 39-38, with just over 9 minutes to play on a 3-pointer from the corner by Gary Wallace.
Quinnipiac took it back at 46-45 on a 3-pointer by Deontay Twyman with 3:24 left, and back and forth it went.
Velton Jones’ leaner in the lane gave Robert Morris a 50-48 lead with 1:18 to play. The Colonials got the ball back after James Johnson missed a jumper at the other end.
But Johnson deflected the ball off Abraham’s foot with 19 seconds to play, giving Quinnipiac one more chance. The Bobcats ran Feldeine off a curl and he tried a 3-pointer over Green, who got his hands on the ball.
Both teams started slowly. The Colonials hit just two of their first nine shots, and Quinnipiac was 2 for 11.
Robert Morris stayed in the game by hitting four of eight shots from 3-point range, but trailed 25-23 at halftime.
Robert Morris was playing in its ninth NEC Tournament title contest, but its first on the road. They are 5-0 when hosting the championship game, and 0-2 in neutral site games.
Quinnipiac came in 14-0 on its home court this season, and its 23 wins are the most in school history. The Bobcats earned the top-seed in the tournament with an 87-79 win over Robert Morris on Feb. 20.
NEC All-Tournament Team
Jaytornah Wisseh, Long Island
James Feldeine, Quinnipiac
Justin Rutty, Quinnipiac
Dallas Green, Robert Morris
Karon Abraham, Robert Morris (MVP)
Robert Morris head coach Mike Rice
Opening Thoughts
“We talk about perseverance a lot. Things weren’t exactly in an offensive flow tonight, but it’s about perseverance. The hearts of our guys matched last year. I didn’t think anything would match last year, but they did.”
On why Robert Morris was able to become the NEC’s first repeat champion since Rider in 1994
“We defend very well and we keep coming at you. That’s what you need to do in a league like this. The teams that rank first in field goal percentage defense win these leagues a majority of the time.”
On Quinnipaic’s James Feldeine
“He’s the second NEC Player of the Year as far we’re concerned because he’s so versatile. He puts so much pressure on your defense to stay focused and make the correct adjustments.”
Robert Morris' Dallas Green who was named to the All-Tournament Team
On the difference between last year's NEC championship team and this one
“Last year we didn’t have a lot of freshmen and we had [2009 NEC Player of the Year] Jeremy [Chappell]. Karon [Abraham] stepped up and became a big scorer for us. Everyone stepped up.”
Robert Morris' Karon Abraham who was named NEC Tournament MVP
On carrying the team as a freshman
“Making plays for my team. That’s what coach asks me to do. That’s what my teammates expect me to do. There’s a lot of support on this team from the coaching staff down through the managers so it makes it easier.”
On going to the NCAA Tournament
“It’s a dream. I was a boy growing up and didn’t think I’d make it this far.”
Quinnipiac head coach Tom Moore
Opening Toughts
“To hold us to six field goals in the second half and 35 percent shooting is phenomenal. That was my fear coming into the game because of my great respect for Robert Morris’ defense. They can really, really wear you down defensively.”
On what he told his team kids in the locker room following the defeat
“I told them to think back on the night. To remember this whole night. Think back on the atmosphere. Think back on the night that they created.”
On James Feldeine
“When I got here I saw in him a desire to improve. He’s worked hard to improve on the court, in the classroom, in the weight room. I’m astounded by his growth as a young man. ”
Quinnipiac's James Feldeine, an All-Tournament Team selection
On his disappointment
“I’m so mad I couldn’t pull through for this man [coach Tom Moore] , this team, and the whole community.”
2010 Northeast Conference
Men's Basketball Tournament
All games played at home of higher seed
Teams reseeded following quarterfinals
Click Here For Tournament Bracket (PDF)
Click Here For Media Credential Form (PDF)
Click Here For All-Conference Release
Click Here For Media Teleconference
Click Here For NEC Tournament Preview
Click Here For Semifinal Notes
Click Here For Championship Game Notes
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Quarterfinals
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| Thurs. |
Mar. 4 |
#1 Quinnipiac 84, #8 Monmouth 75 |
FINAL | Box | Recap
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#2 Robert Morris 71, #7 CCSU 63 |
FINAL | Box | Recap
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#3 Mt. St. Mary's 65, #6 Saint Francis (PA) 50 |
FINAL | Box | Recap
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#4 Long Island 63, #5 FDU 61 |
FINAL | Box | Recap
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| Semifinals |
| Sun. |
Mar. 7 |
#1 Quinnipiac 83, #4 Long Island 78 |
FINAL | Box | Recap
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#2 Robert Morris 80, #3 Mount St. Mary's 62 |
FINAL | Box | Recap
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| Championship |
| Wed. |
Mar. 10 |
#2 Robert Morris 52, #1 Quinnipiac 50
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FINAL | Box
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