Merrimack Warriors Hold Off Siena Saints 79-72 Behind Kevair Kennedy's 32 Points

The Merrimack Warriors, led by Kevair Kennedy's 32 points, secured a 79-72 victory over the Siena Saints at Lawler Arena, marking their sixth consecutive win. This streak has seen Merrimack outscore their opponents by an average of 18.4 points, with their most recent wins including a 56-49 triumph over Quinnipiac and an 87-70 thrashing of Mount St. Mary's. Kennedy's performance was the catalyst for this win, as he scored 18 of his 32 points in the first half, including 12 in the first 10 minutes, setting the tone for the game. His hot start allowed Merrimack to build a 32-37 deficit into a 34-29 lead by halftime, with the Warriors outscoring Siena 34-29 in the second period.

Merrimack's ability to contain Siena's offense in the second half was crucial, as they limited the Saints to just 29 points, 8 fewer than their first-half total. This defensive effort was a key factor in the Warriors' win, as they held Siena to 39.3% shooting from the field, including 3-for-14 from three-point range. The Saints, who had averaged 70.2 points per game over their last five contests, were unable to find their rhythm, with their top scorer, Gavin Doty, managing just 22 points on 8-for-18 shooting. In contrast, Merrimack's supporting cast, including Ernest Shelton and Tye Dorset, chipped in with 17 and 13 points, respectively, to complement Kennedy's dominant performance. Over their last five games, Merrimack has averaged 74.4 points per game, while allowing just 56 points per contest, a trend that continued in this matchup.

The key to Merrimack's victory lay in their ability to hit big shots when it mattered, with Kennedy and Shelton combining for 49 points, including several crucial baskets in the second half. Doty, on the other hand, was Siena's lone bright spot, scoring 22 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Warriors. Antonio Chandler, who had 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Saints, was a force to be reckoned with, but his teammates were unable to provide sufficient support, with Francis Folefac managing just 10 points on 4-for-12 shooting. As the game wore on, it became clear that Merrimack's depth and Kennedy's individual brilliance would be too much for Siena to handle, with the Warriors ultimately emerging victorious by a 7-point margin, 79-72. Over their last five games, Siena has gone 3-2, averaging 70.2 points per game, while allowing 68.4 points per contest.

The CHD Scout's prediction of a 3-point Merrimack victory was spot on, as the Warriors' ability to contain Siena's offense and capitalize on their own scoring opportunities ultimately led to their 7-point win.

The prediction's accuracy can be attributed to the model's ability to account for Merrimack's recent form, which has seen them win five consecutive games, outscoring their opponents by an average of 18.4 points per contest. The model also correctly anticipated Siena's struggles on the road, where they have gone 3-2 over their last five games, averaging 70.2 points per game while allowing 68.4 points per contest. With this win, Merrimack improves to 19-9 on the season, while Siena falls to 18-10, a record that will likely leave them on the bubble for the tournament. Merrimack's current 12-3 record in their conference moves them into a strong position, just one game behind the conference leaders.

As the season enters its final stretch, this win could have real consequences for Merrimack's tournament hopes, particularly given their strong recent form. With a NET ranking of 180, the Warriors are still on the outside looking in, but a continued winning streak could see them force their way into the conversation.

This victory, classified as a Quadrant 4 win for Merrimack and a Quadrant 3 loss for Siena, will likely have a minimal impact on the Saints' tournament chances, given their current NET ranking of 191. However, for Merrimack, this win could be a crucial step in building a resume that will be considered by the selection committee. The Warriors' ability to win games like this, against a team with a similar profile to their own, will be viewed favorably, and their continued success could see them rise up the rankings and into the tournament picture. With their current quad record and NET ranking, Merrimack must continue winning to solidify their position, but this victory is a promising sign for their postseason aspirations. Over their last 10 games, Merrimack has gone 8-2, with their only losses coming against teams ranked in the top 100, a trend that bodes well for their tournament chances.

In the context of the season, this game will be remembered as a reflection of Kennedy's individual brilliance and Merrimack's collective strength. The Warriors' ability to adapt and overcome adversity has been a hallmark of their season, and this win is just the latest example of their resilience. As the tournament approaches, Merrimack want to build on this momentum, using their recent form as a springboard to launch a deep postseason run. With their current record and ranking, the Warriors are poised to make a push for the tournament, and this win over Siena is a crucial step in that journey. The 79-72 victory marked Merrimack's 19th win of the season, and their 12-3 conference record puts them in a strong position to make a run in the tournament. As the season enters its final stretch, Merrimack want to continue their winning ways, using their strong recent form to propel them into the postseason.

HEADLINE: Merrimack Warriors Hold Off Siena Saints 79-72 Behind Kevair Kennedy's 32 Points SUBHEADLINE: Merrimack's sixth consecutive win improves their record to 19-9, moving them into a strong position in their conference with a 12-3 record.