NEW YORK — The Robert Morris University Colonials were disappointed about not qualifying for the NCAA Tournament.

So they took their frustration out on the St. John’s Red Storm.

Karvel Anderson scored 38 points and Lucky Jones added 25 to help the Colonials beat St. John’s 89-79 in the first round of the NIT on Tuesday night.

Robert Morris improved to 22-13 and will play either Green Bay or Belmont in the second round.

“We had more disappointment than they did,” Robert Morris coach Andrew Toole said of missing the NCAA Tournament. The Colonials lost to Mount St. Mary’s, 88-71, in the Northeast Conference Championship Game. “(We) came into this game wanting to continue (our) season.

“I didn’t have it in my head that this would be the last time we (would play) together. We’ll keep playing for as long as someone (allows us).”

Jamal Branch scored 22 points to lead the Red Storm (21-13).

“We didn’t give an A-level effort,” St. John’s coach Steve Lavin said. “We got beat to the punch in every aspect of play.”

The Colonials never trailed in the first matchup between the Northeast Conference and Big East Conference programs. Robert Morris led by as much as 25 in the first half and had a 49-27 advantage at halftime.

“I guess they didn’t think we were going to come out (as hard as we did),” Jones said.”

Robert Morris’ lead grew to as much as 26 points in the second half.