FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Karvel Anderson scored a career-high 36 points and Robert Morris defeated Sacred Heart 79-70 in the Northeast Conference opener for both teams on Thursday night.

Sacred Heart (3-13, 0-1) trailed by nine points at halftime before coming within 72-70 after De'von Barnett made 1 of 2 free throws with 2 minutes remaining. Anderson then scored the next five points, including a 3-pointer with 29 seconds remaining, to put Robert Morris up 77-70.

Robert Morris (6-10, 1-0) shot 53.6 percent from the field, including 10 of 15 from long range. Anderson hit 6 of his 7 3-point attempts.

Lucky Jones added 17 points for the Colonials. Robert Morris, playing its fourth of five consecutive road contests, snapped a three-game losing streak which included losses to Alabama and No. 6 Oklahoma State.

Mostafa Abdel Latif led Sacred Heart with 17 points and 12 rebounds.