YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Interstat) — DeSean Goode scored 24 points and Robert Morris withstood a late rally to defeat Youngstown State 72-66 in a Horizon League men’s basketball game Saturday at Beeghly Center.

The Colonials, who led for over 38 minutes, saw a 13-point second-half advantage whittled down to two in the final minute before closing the game on a 6-2 run from the free-throw line to secure the road victory. The win improved Robert Morris to 16-10 overall and marked its second straight victory following a three-game skid in late January. Youngstown State fell to 12-12.

Goode, a 6-foot-8 forward from Fairmont, West Virginia, was the catalyst, adding seven rebounds, an assist and a block in 34 minutes. His performance continued a strong stretch, coming off a 16-point effort in a win over Wright State on Wednesday. Ryan Prather provided crucial support with 16 points and six assists, while Darius Livingston added 12 points.

The Penguins were led by Cris Carroll’s 20 points and Bryson Dawkins’ 16 points and five rebounds. Rontavious Blackshear chipped in 12 points, but Youngstown State’s offense was hampered by 6-for-23 shooting from 3-point range and 10 turnovers, which Robert Morris converted into 18 points.

The most critical sequence of the game unfolded in the final 31 seconds with Robert Morris clinging to a 66-64 lead. After a Youngstown State timeout, the Colonials’ defense forced a turnover by Carroll. Goode was fouled on the ensuing possession and made both free throws with 4.4 seconds left to push the lead to four. Following another Penguins timeout, Rich Rolf was fouled on a drive and made a layup, but missed the ensuing free throw that would have cut the deficit to one with 5.1 seconds remaining. Goode secured the defensive rebound, was immediately fouled, and calmly sank two more free throws to seal the outcome.

Robert Morris built its lead with efficient, if not prolific, offense. The Colonials shot 46.7% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc, offsetting a season-low five assists and 13 turnovers. Their defensive effort was key, holding Youngstown State to an offensive rating of 101.9 points per 100 possessions. The Penguins, despite scoring 42 points in the paint and blocking five shots, could not find a consistent rhythm from the perimeter.

The game was a reversal of the teams’ first meeting on Dec. 17, which Robert Morris won 80-77 in overtime at home. This victory gave the Colonials a regular-season sweep in the series.

Robert Morris, which entered as a 3.5-point underdog according to sportsbooks, defied Interstat’s ELO projection, which gave Youngstown State a 58.4% probability to win. The combined point total of 138 fell well under the over/under line of 144.

Robert Morris visits Cleveland State on Thursday. Youngstown State travels to face Oakland on the same night.