Robert Morris defeats North Florida in First Four, draws Duke

With three players scoring at least 19 points, Robert Morris defeated North Florida 81-77 in a First Four NCAA tournament game in Dayton, Ohio, on Wednesday. The Colonials will face the South regional's top seed, Duke, in Charlotte, N.C., on Friday.

With three players scoring at least 19 points, Robert Morris defeated North Florida 81-77 in a First Four NCAA tournament game in Dayton, Ohio, on Wednesday. The Colonials will face the South regional's top seed, Duke, in Charlotte, N.C., on Friday.

Robert Morris guard Lucky Jones scored 21 points while adding seven rebounds and five steals, and guard Rodney Pryor contributed 20 points. Guard Marcquise Reed added 19 points, and forward Elijah Minnie posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

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The game marked the first NCAA tournament game for any player on either team.

Robert Morris has made eight NCAA tournament appearances, previously losing to Villanova in the first round in 2010. Wednesday's win moved the Colonials to 2-7 in tournament play.

Wednesday marked UNF's first NCAA tournament appearance.

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Guard Beau Beech scored 28 points and added eight rebounds to lead North Florida, which held a 35-29 halftime lead. The Ospreys shot 48 percent from the field (25-of-52) and nearly 41 percent from three-point range (9-of-22), but put the Colonials on the foul line 34 times. Robert Morris made 21 of those attempt, and shot 45 percent from the floor (28-of-62).

Duke and Robert Morris will tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET Friday on CBS.

- Mike Fiammetta