Iona's NET Hopes Dashed on Merrimack's Home Turf

In a closely contested matchup, Merrimack Warriors edged out Iona Gaels 88-86 on their home court at Lawler Arena. The two teams exchanged leads throughout the game, with the final margin of 2 points reflecting the intensity and competitiveness of the contest. The first half saw Merrimack take a narrow 36-33 lead, but the Gaels responded in the second half with a strong effort, ultimately forcing overtime in the final minutes of play.

The second half saw both teams struggle to gain a decisive advantage, with Merrimack managing to hold off a late surge by Iona. Despite being seeded lower in the NET rankings, the Gaels pushed the Warriors to the limit, ultimately falling just short in a game that came down to a handful of possessions.

A 29-point, 10-rebound performance from Kevair Kennedy set the tone for Merrimack, but it was his supporting cast that ultimately secured the win. Kennedy's efficient shooting from the field (6-16 FG) and the free-throw line (7-8 FT) were key factors in Merrimack's success. His 20 points, however, were matched by Ernest Shelton's output, who managed to stay hot from beyond the arc despite a tough night overall. Shelton's 3-10 mark from three-point range belied his 18 points, which included a clutch performance from the free-throw line.

Erupting for 15 points, Tye Dorset proved to be a sparkplug off the bench for Merrimack, providing a much-needed boost in the second half. His 5 assists were a welcome sight, as he helped facilitate the Colonels' offense and find open teammates. With the game on the line, Dorset's ability to distribute the ball effectively proved to be a decisive factor, as Merrimack managed to outlast Iona in a thrilling 88-86 victory.

Despite the loss, CJ Anthony's 25 points on 9-15 shooting from the field and 5-9 from beyond the arc, as well as his 5 assists, were pivotal in Iona's effort to keep pace with Merrimack. However, his scoring output, while impressive, ultimately fell short of securing a victory for the Gaels.

Finishing with 20 points, Luke Jungers struggled with his three-point shooting, converting just 5 of 12 attempts, but still managed to make his presence felt on the court. Kosy Akametu's 16 points, coupled with his 5 assists, demonstrated his ability to facilitate the offense, but his team's inability to capitalize on his efforts ultimately contributed to the loss.

Todd Brogna's night was marked by significant improvement, as his 13 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 blocks represented a notable departure from his season averages. His 7.2-point increase in scoring and 4.3-rebound increase in rebounding were particularly striking, and the freshman's emergence as a force in the paint was a key factor in Merrimack's victory.

The pre-game prediction of a 6.3-point Merrimack victory proved to be accurate, as the Warriors ultimately won by a margin of two points. While the final score may have been closer than anticipated, the underlying numbers tell a story of Merrimack's ability to control the pace and exploit Iona's vulnerabilities on the defensive glass.

A key factor in Merrimack's victory was their ability to limit Iona's rebounding dominance, holding the Gaels to a season-low OREB rate of 29.4%. This was particularly notable given Merrimack's own OREB rate of 14.3%, a significant drop from their season average of 21.3%. Meanwhile, Merrimack's improved shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, where they shot 33.3% compared to Iona's 41.2%, also proved to be a deciding factor. This suggests that Merrimack's coaching staff made adjustments to neutralize Iona's three-point threat and exploit their own strengths on the perimeter.

Merrimack's victory has bolstered their MAAC conference tournament positioning, as they now sit tied for fourth place in the standings. With 20 regular-season wins, the Warriors can focus on securing a top-four seed in the conference tournament, which would provide them with a more favorable path to the championship game. Conversely, Iona's loss has put them in a precarious position, as they now trail Merrimack by a game in the standings and are in danger of falling to fifth or sixth place. The Gaels must regroup and win their final two regular-season games to secure a top-four seed and set themselves up for a more manageable path to the conference tournament championship. The stakes have never been higher for Iona, as they look to salvage a respectable season.