The Merrimack Warriors men’s basketball team secured a narrow 58-57 victory over Marist in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) semifinals at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The win allows Merrimack, the tournament’s top seed, to advance to the MAAC Championship game.
Tye Dorset led the Warriors with a career-high 23 points on 10-for-17 shooting. He made two crucial three-pointers late in the game that put Merrimack ahead during critical moments. Dorset also contributed six rebounds and four steals.
“In games like this you need someone to step up,” head coach Joe Gallo said while talking about Dorset. “Tye had it going and he’s feeling it right now.”
Kevair Kennedy, who was named MAAC Player of the Year, played a key role on defense by stealing the ball from Marist in the closing seconds before they could attempt a final shot. This play was part of Merrimack’s overall defensive effort that included forcing 20 turnovers while committing only nine themselves.
“You can’t put a value on that,” Gallo said of the turnover margin. “We had 12 steals, and that was a numbers advantage.”
Kennedy finished with 16 points, four assists, and two steals.
Ernest Shelton, also selected for the All-MAAC First Team, scored 13 points while playing all 40 minutes for Merrimack.
Todd Brogna contributed four points along with four rebounds and four blocks. KC Ugwuakazi, recognized as MAAC Defensive Player of the Year, added two points, five rebounds, three blocks and one steal.
With this victory, Merrimack will face third-seeded Siena in the MAAC Men’s Basketball Championship at Boardwalk Hall on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
