COROPOLIS, Pa. (Interstat) — The Robert Morris Colonials used a balanced scoring attack and a significant advantage at the free-throw line to hold off a late surge from the Akron Zips, securing a 70-61 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Friday night at the Charles L. Sewall Center.

The Colonials improved to 2-0 on the young season, while the Zips fell to 0-2.

Robert Morris never trailed after the first quarter but could not fully shake a persistent Akron team. The Colonials built a 29-19 halftime lead, capitalizing on a sluggish second-quarter offensive performance from the Zips, who managed just seven points in the third period. A strong final quarter from Akron, led by Ni’Rah Clark’s offensive outburst, made the score respectable down the stretch.

Aislin Malcolm, a 5-foot-11 guard from nearby Carnegie, Pennsylvania, led the Colonials with 20 points, adding four rebounds, three assists and two blocks. She was instrumental in helping Robert Morris maintain its composure during Akron’s rallies. She was supported by a deep roster that saw four other players score at least six points. Noa Givon of Ra’anana, Israel, contributed 15 points, while French forward Myriam Traore came off the bench to add 11 points. Eva Levingston of Oakland, California, controlled the glass with seven points and seven rebounds, and Bailey Kuhns of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds.

The game was ultimately decided by efficiency and opportunities. While both teams had nearly identical field goal percentages, Robert Morris attempted 25 free throws, converting 20, compared to Akron’s 18 attempts, of which they made 12. The Colonials also won the rebounding battle, particularly on the offensive glass with nine rebounds leading to second-chance points. Akron was further hampered by 19 turnovers.

Despite the loss, Akron’s Ni’Rah Clark turned in a stellar individual performance, scoring a game-high 25 points and grabbing seven rebounds in 27 minutes of action. Monique Mitchell was the only other Zip in double figures, finishing with nine points.

Robert Morris set the tone early, ending the first quarter with a 15-10 lead and extending it to a 10-point advantage by halftime. The Colonials’ defense stifled Akron throughout the third quarter, limiting them to just seven points and building a seemingly comfortable 42-29 lead heading into the final period.

The Zips mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, exploding for 25 points as Clark repeatedly attacked the basket. However, every time Akron narrowed the gap, Robert Morris had an answer, often from the free-throw line, to keep the Zips at bay and close out the victory.

Akron will look for its first win of the season when it travels to face Notre Dame on Wednesday. Robert Morris, now 2-0, will hit the road for its next contest, a Thursday matchup against Saint Francis (PA).