INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — In a gritty, defensive-minded Horizon League tournament clash defined by crucial plays in the final minute, the Detroit Titans exacted a measure of revenge and advanced with a 70-64 victory over the Robert Morris Colonials on Monday night at Fairgrounds Coliseum.

The game, a stark contrast to the teams’ two higher-scoring regular-season meetings, was a tense affair that saw the Titans overcome a halftime deficit with a suffocating second-half defensive performance. Detroit, which entered as a significant underdog according to national metrics, held the Colonials to just 28 points after intermission, flipping a three-point halftime deficit into a season-extending win.

The most critical sequence unfolded in the game’s chaotic final 10 seconds. With Detroit clinging to a 66-64 lead after Ta’Zir Smith split a pair of free throws for Robert Morris, the Colonials attempted to inbound the ball with a chance to tie or take the lead. Detroit’s defensive pressure forced a turnover, with Ryan Kalambay stealing a pass intended for DeSean Goode. Kalambay was immediately fouled and calmly sank both free throws with 5 seconds remaining, pushing the lead to four.

On the ensuing inbound, Robert Morris’ Smith again lost possession, this time stolen by Kalambay once more. He fed Orlando Lovejoy, who was fouled and iced the game with two more free throws, capping a 4-0 run in the span of three seconds that sealed the outcome.

Lovejoy, a Detroit native, was the offensive catalyst for the Titans throughout, finishing with a game-high 21 points and six assists. His backcourt mate, Lance Stone, provided a vital scoring punch with 16 points, including several key baskets to stem Colonial runs. The Titans’ frontcourt of Legend Geeter and Ryan Kalambay, while not prolific scorers, impacted the game significantly with their defense and rebounding. Kalambay’s two late steals were the culmination of a strong defensive effort that included two blocks.

Robert Morris was led by the versatile play of Nikolaos Chitikoudis of Greece, who posted 13 points, seven assists and two blocks. DeSean Goode added 14 points and Ryan Prather contributed 11, but the Colonials’ offense sputtered down the stretch, plagued by turnovers and missed opportunities. After shooting effectively in the first half to take a 36-33 lead, Robert Morris could not sustain its rhythm against a tightened Detroit defense.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair featuring eight lead changes. Robert Morris built its largest lead at five points on multiple occasions, the last at 29-24, but Detroit consistently answered, often through Lovejoy’s creation or Stone’s penetration. A late three-pointer by Kaleb Brown and three free throws from Prather in the final second gave the Colonials their narrow halftime advantage.

The second half became a grinding defensive struggle. Detroit tied the game early and finally seized control with a 9-2 run midway through the period, fueled by a Tyler Spratt three-pointer and tough baskets from Lovejoy and Stone, to take a 53-47 lead with 9:46 remaining. Robert Morris fought back to within a single possession several times, but could never regain the lead. Each Colonial push was met with a critical response from Detroit, often at the free-throw line, where the Titans sealed the game in the final minutes.

The victory improves Detroit’s record to 17-14 overall and avenges two regular-season losses to Robert Morris, including a defeat just 12 days prior. The Colonials, who had been one of the Horizon League’s top teams throughout the season, see their record move to 22-11 and now await their postseason fate. Detroit advances in the conference tournament, continuing a late-season surge that has seen them win five of their last six games.

The contest failed to reach the pregame over/under total, finishing well under the line in a game ultimately decided by defensive stops and composure at the foul line when it mattered most.