NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – The Merrimack College women's basketball team protected home court with a win over Niagara. The Warriors now advance to 2-0 in MAAC play.
The Basics
Score: Niagara 56,
Merrimack 71
Records: Niagara (1-9, 0-2),
Merrimack (6-5, 2-0)
Rapid Recap
Coming into this matchup the Warriors knew exactly what the Purple Eagles plan was, create chaos. In the first quarter, Merrimack was able to handle the suffocating Niagara pressure forcing turnovers on defense themselves and scoring off of those. The Warriors took a 17-8 lead going into the second. Throughout the next quarter it was up and down action as both teams ratcheted up the defensive pressure. Niagara drew closer at the half making is 33-29. In the second half, the Warriors built a 14-point lead behind the play of
Mia Fiore and
Thalia Shepard. They would head into the fourth leading 53-41. Merrimack was able to continuously put up points getting out of the press, scoring fast break points at will. Throughout the fourth, the Warriors stifled the Niagara attack and added to their lead. The offense continued to click as Merrimack put up over 70 points against the hard-nosed defense of Niagara. The Warriors claimed a convincing 71-56 victory to improve to 2-0 in conference play heading into the holiday break.
Notes and Numbers
- Thalia Shepard notched her season high in points with 20
- Mia Fiore stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists
- Madison Roman protected the paint grabbing a career high 19 rebounds
Up Next
The Warriors have an extended break with their next game coming on January 4
th at Fairfield. Game time is set for 2:00 PM.
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For continuing coverage of Merrimack College Athletics, visit MerrimackAthletics.com and follow the Warriors on Twitter and on Facebook.
