Marist Holds Off Quinnipiac 71-64 Behind Balanced Attack

Marist controlled the tempo from the opening tip, taking a 43-28 lead into halftime and never looking back as they defeated Quinnipiac 71-64 at McCann Arena. The Red Foxes' balanced attack, led by Justin Menard's 15 points, proved too much for the Bobcats to overcome. Asim Jones did his best to keep Quinnipiac in the game, scoring 22 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.

The first half was all Marist, as they shot 53% from the field and built a 15-point lead. Elijah Lewis and Jason Schofield chipped in with 14 and 12 points, respectively, as the Red Foxes' offense clicked on all cylinders. Quinnipiac, on the other hand, struggled to find its rhythm, shooting just 32% from the field in the first 20 minutes.

In the second half, Quinnipiac made a push to get back in the game, outscoring Marist 36-28. Keith McKnight and Amarri Monroe joined Jones in double figures, with McKnight adding 7 rebounds and Monroe grabbing 11. However, Marist's lead was too large to overcome, and the Red Foxes held on for the 7-point win.

CHD Scout predicted a Marist win by 8.5 points, and while the margin was slightly smaller than expected, the Red Foxes' victory was never really in doubt. The win improves Marist's record to 13-7 on the season, while Quinnipiac falls to 14-8.

The loss is a Quad 3 defeat for Quinnipiac, which could have implications for their tournament resume. For Marist, the win is a Quad 4 victory, which may not carry as much weight, but still helps to bolster their overall record. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams want to strengthen their tournament profiles, and this game will be an important data point for the selection committee.

Marist's victory is a reflection of their depth and balance, as three players scored in double figures. Menard's 15 points led the way, and his performance was a key factor in the Red Foxes' win. While Quinnipiac's Jones had a strong game, it wasn't enough to overcome the Red Foxes' advantage. As the season heats up, Marist want to build on this win and make a push for a strong tournament seed, while Quinnipiac will aim to bounce back from this setback and strengthen their own resume.