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Video: Joe Gallo Comments //
Jaleel Lord Comments
MOON TOWNSHIP, PA. – The Merrimack College men's basketball team handed Robert Morris University its first Northeast Conference (NEC) defeat and knocked the Colonials out of first place with a 53-49 win on Saturday at the UPMC Events Center. With the victory, the Warriors moved into the NEC's top spot, and at night's end will either have sole possession of first place or share top billing with Saint Francis University.
Merrimack bested Robert Morris in a rematch from two weeks ago when the Colonials topped the Warriors at Hammel Court. Saturday's game featured 17 lead changes and 10 ties in a true back-and-forth affair; in just the first nine minutes of the second half, nine separate lead changes occurred. With the score tied at 49-49 and under two minutes to play, senior
Jaleel Lord hit a layup on a back cut that proved to be the game-deciding bucket.
The Warriors' seniors led the way on Saturday: Lord posted a team-best 14 points and a team-high eight rebounds,
Juvaris Hayes added 12 points and three steals while
Idris Joyner contributed nine points and seven rebounds.
The triumph increased their winning streak to a season-long four games and improved their record to 11-8 (5-1 NEC). Robert Morris dropped to 8-10 (4-1 NEC) with the loss. Merrimack joins Pittsburgh as the only two programs nationwide to defeat Robert Morris at the UPMC Events Center this season.
The Essentials
Score:
Merrimack 53, Robert Morris 49
Records: Merrimack (11-8, 5-1 NEC) | Robert Morris (8-10, 4-1 NEC)
Location: UPMC Events Center | Moon Township, Pa.
Rapid Recap
- Robert Morris jumped out to a 9-2 lead over the first 8:02 of the game as Merrimack made 1-of-9 from the field out of the gates. The Warriors responded by holding the Colonials scoreless over a near four-minute stretch, using an 8-0 run to take a 10-9 lead. Seniors Juvaris Hayes and Idris Joyner scored all eight points of the run
- The low-scoring play continued over the remainder of the half. The hosts broke a 13-13 deadlock with a 4-0 spurt, taking a 17-13 lead with 4:17 left in the first half. The Warriors responded, snatching the advantage back, 20-19, following a made 3-pointer from senior Jaleel Lord. Freshman Jordan Minor set up the make by saving an offensive rebound, and kicking it out to Lord for the triple
- In the final minute, Lord his a pull-up jumper to end the Warriors' scoring, but the Colonials ended the half with a dunk to bring a 23-22 edge into the locker room
- Momentum changed at the drop of a hat to start the second half: Sophomore Mikey Watkins hit free throws to give Merrimack a 30-29 lead at the 14:56 mark and from there the lead changed hands on alternating possessions through 10:50 remaining when the Warriors turned a 38-37 hole into a 43-38 advantage via a 6-0 spurt
- Robert Morris had one more push in them, using a 9-2 run to pull back in front, 47-45, approaching the four-minute mark. Freshman Ziggy Reid answered by hitting two crucial free throws to tie the game, converting a one-and-one opportunity. Lord's bucket came two minutes later as he cut baseline, receiving a feed from Watkins and finishing at the rim. Merrimack's defense held the Colonials scoreless in the final two minutes to prevail
Notes and Numbers
- Merrimack has now won five of its first six NEC games as the Warriors trek through the league slate; if Saint Francis University loses Saturday night, Merrimack will have sole possession of first place going into Monday
- Lord scored his most points over his last nine games and tied his season best with eight caroms
- Saturday was Merrimack's first-ever win against the Colonials in their first trip to the UPMC Events Center
- Merrimack's defense held Robert Morris – who entered the game shooting a league-best 47.9 percent from three – to 2-of-15 shooting from beyond the arc.
- The Warriors held the Colonials to a season low in 3-pointers; previous to Saturday, RMU had made no fewer than six triples in a game
- Individually, the Warriors held Robert Morris' Josh Williams to 1-of-6 from three and 3-of-11 shooting overall. Prior to Saturday, Williams was shooting 71.0 percent (22-31) in conference play
Up Next
The Warriors visit Saint Francis University for the first time out in Loretto, Pa. Tip-off against the Red Flash is set for 4 p.m. on Monday afternoon.
