Preview: Robert Morris Colonials at Cleveland State Vikings CLEVELAND (Interstat) — A surging Robert Morris team looks to continue its climb in the Horizon League standings when it visits a struggling Cleveland State squad on Thursday night at Wolstein Center. The Colonials (16-10, 9-6 Horizon) enter on a two-game winning streak following a 72-66 road victory at Youngstown State on Saturday. They have won five of their last seven contests. The Vikings (10-15, 6-9), meanwhile, have dropped four of their last six, including an 82-74 loss at IU Indy in their most recent outing. Robert Morris is led by forward DeSean Goode, who is averaging 18.1 points and 5.4 rebounds over his last eight games. He scored 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the win over Youngstown State. Guard Ryan Prather, who had 16 points and six assists in that game, provides backcourt balance. Cleveland State will counter with guard Dayan Nessah, who has been a consistent offensive force. He is averaging 21.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists over his last seven games, including a 31-point, five-assist performance in a win at Wright State on Jan. 21. In the loss to IU Indy, Nessah posted 24 points, six rebounds and five assists. The matchup features a stark contrast in recent trajectories. Robert Morris has found a rhythm in close games, with three wins in its last five outings decided by five points or fewer. Cleveland State has been plagued by defensive lapses, allowing 80 or more points in seven of its 15 losses this season. The Vikings won the first meeting this season, 86-79, in Moon Township on Jan. 8. Nessah led all scorers with 28 points in that contest, while Goode was held to 11 points for the Colonials. Thursday’s game is the first of a home-and-home series that will conclude in Pennsylvania on Feb. 28. For Cleveland State, it represents a critical opportunity to halt its slide and improve its seeding for the upcoming Horizon League tournament. For Robert Morris, it’s a chance to solidify its position in the upper half of the conference and avenge its earlier loss. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.