Merrimack's Ernest Shelton stole the show at Knott Arena, scoring 27 points to propel his team to a decisive 87-70 win over Mount St. Mary's. The Warriors' strong performance, particularly in the second half, left little doubt about the outcome, as they outscored the Mountaineers 48-30 after the break. This convincing victory not only showcased Merrimack's offensive prowess but also highlighted the team's ability to capitalize on opportunities, a trait that will serve them well in their pursuit of a strong tournament resume.
The first half was closely contested, with Merrimack taking a slim 39-40 lead into the locker room. However, the Warriors came out firing in the second half, with Shelton and Kevair Kennedy, who added 25 points and 7 assists, leading the charge. Their dynamic duo proved too much for Mount St. Mary's to handle, as the Warriors pulled away with a series of clutch shots and smart defensive plays. On the other side, Trey Deveaux was the bright spot for the Mountaineers, scoring 15 points, while Luke McEldon chipped in with 12 points and 7 rebounds.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Mount St. Mary's narrowly edging Merrimack by a single point, but the actual outcome was far more one-sided. The 17-point margin of victory was a reflection of Merrimack's dominance, particularly in the second half. As the Warriors continue to build their tournament resume, this win will be a valuable addition, even if it falls into the Q4 category. With a current net ranking of 214, Merrimack is still very much in the mix for a potential postseason berth.
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For Mount St. Mary's, this loss will be a tough pill to swallow, especially given the Q4 designation. With a net ranking of 302, the Mountaineers are facing an uphill battle in their pursuit of a strong tournament resume. While Abdou Khadre Kébé's 11 points and 9 rebounds were a notable effort, it was not enough to overcome the Warriors' balanced attack. As the season enters its final stretch, Mount St. Mary's must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push for a better tournament seeding.
In terms of resume implications, this win is a solid addition for Merrimack, even if it does not carry the weight of a Q1 or Q2 victory. The Warriors' ability to take care of business against a lesser opponent is a positive sign, and their strong performance will only help to bolster their case for a tournament bid. As the selection committee reviews Merrimack's body of work, this win will be seen as a reflection of their strength and depth, and will likely factor into their overall evaluation. With several games still remaining on the schedule, the Warriors want to build on this momentum and make a strong push for a tournament spot.