Merrimack Stuns Marist in 13-Point Upset

Merrimack pulled off a stunning upset at McCann Arena, taking down Marist 68-55 in a non-conference showdown that will send shockwaves through the college basketball world. The Warriors, ranked 218th in the net rankings, were predicted to lose by 11.7 points, but they had other plans. Kevair Kennedy led the charge with 20 points, while Ernest Shelton and Tye Dorset chipped in with 18 and 17 points, respectively.

The game got off to a competitive start, with Merrimack holding a slim 29-25 lead at halftime. However, it was the second half that was the difference-maker, as the Warriors outscored Marist 39-30 to pull away. Jason Schofield, Marist's top scorer, did his best to keep his team in the game with 15 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Merrimack. Rhyjon Blackwell and Jaden Daughtry added 13 and 8 points, respectively, for the Red Foxes, but their efforts were ultimately futile.

The loss is a significant blow to Marist's tournament resume, as it drops to 12-6 on the season. This game was considered a Quadrant 4 matchup for the Red Foxes, and the defeat will likely hurt their chances of making a deep postseason run. On the other hand, Merrimack's win is a huge boost to their resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 3 victory. The Warriors improve to 12-8 on the season and want to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction, which had Marist winning by 11.7 points, was wildly inaccurate. In reality, Merrimack dominated the second half, using their quick ball movement and tenacious defense to stifle Marist's offense. The Warriors' victory is a reflection of their resilience and determination, and it will undoubtedly be a confidence-booster as they head into their next matchup.

As the college basketball season heats up, upsets like this one will become more and more crucial in shaping the tournament landscape. For Merrimack, this win is a significant statement, proving that they can compete with teams ranked well above them. The Warriors want to continue their strong play and make a push for a tournament berth, while Marist must regroup and refocus in order to get their season back on track. With this result, Merrimack's tournament chances have certainly received a boost, and they will be an intriguing team to watch as the season unfolds.