Links: Box Score
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Merrimack College men's basketball program led by as many as 12 points midway through the first half on Tuesday night at Providence College, facing the Big East foes for the first time in over six decades. The Warriors only trailed by five at halftime from the Dunkin' Donuts Center, but saw the hosts pull away in the second stanza for a 93-56 victory.
For the first time this season, freshman
Mykel Derring led Merrimack in scoring with 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting and three 3-pointers. Senior
Devin Jensen added 10 points, hitting 4-of-8 from the field as well.
The loss dropped Merrimack to 3-3 on the season while Providence improved to 4-1. The Warriors play at Hammel Court for the first time this season on Friday night, hosting Lesley University for a 7 p.m. tip-off on campus.
The Essentials
Score: Providence 93,
Merrimack 56
Records: Merrimack (3-3) | Providence (4-1)
Location: Dunkin' Donuts Center | Providence, R.I.
Rapid Recap
- Senior Idris Joyner, freshman Ziggy Reid and freshman Jordan McKoy hit three straight buckets as part of an 8-0 run for the Warriors, turning a 6-4 Merrimack edge into a 14-4 advantage eight minutes into the game. The Warriors' lead ballooned to 12, 22-10, following driving layups for senior Juvaris Hayes, freshman Mykel Derring and senior Jaleel Lord, giving the visitors their largest lead of the half at the midway point
- Providence responded with a 14-0 run over the next five minutes, taking a 24-22 edge with under five minutes remaining. Triples from sophomore Mikey Watkins and junior Devin Jensen quelled the run, pulling Merrimack ahead, 28-26, with 3:20 left. The Friars crept back ahead, 35-30, but McKoy hit another triple to make it a two-point game. Providence had the last answer, however, hitting a triple of its own to take a five-point lead to the locker room
- Jensen hit a pair of layups at the start of the second half to keep Merrimack within five, 42-37, three minutes into the second half. The Friars were able to snatch momentum via a 15-1 run that spanned four minutes, turning a 49-40 game into a 64-41 edge for the hosts
- With under 10 minutes remaining, Derring and Jensen connected on back-to-back 3-points. Providence answered by scoring eight of the next nine points, however, to build its lead back up. Lord sunk a corner trey to make it a 77-51 game with under five minutes to play
Notes and Numbers
- Merrimack played Providence for the second time in school history and first time since 1955; the Warriors fell to 0-2 all-time against the Friars
- Derring has increased his scoring output in each of his last three games, posting his career high against the Friars. He's shot 50 percent from the field over his last three (9-18)
- Jensen scored in double figures for the second time this season and third time in his career
Up Next
The Warriors play their home opener on Friday evening when Merrimack faces Lesley University at 7 p.m. at Hammel Court.
