NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – The Merrimack College women's basketball stayed perfect at home this season with a thrilling win over now MAAC rival Sacred Heart.
The Basics
Score: Sacred Heart 53,
Merrimack 64
Records: Sacred Heart (5-8, 1-3),
Merrimack (7-6, 3-1)
Rapid Recap
Merrimack and Sacred Heart would see each other for the first time as MAAC opponents. The NEC rivalry carried into a Thursday night showdown in North Andover. In the first quarter it would be close early as
Thalia Shepard and
Madison Roman kept Merrimack neck and neck with the Pioneers. After one, it was a one-point game in favor of the visitor. To start the second Shepard splashed in a three pointer to get it started and retake the lead. Each team traded baskets with neither team gaining a large lead. Sacred Heart would escape the first half with a two-point edge going into break.
The third quarter opened up with an explosion from Merrimack, going on an 8-0 run to start it, forcing a Pioneer timeout. Sacred Heart quickly regained their footing going on a run of their own. The Pioneers would take the lead back from Merrimack but that was short lived. The Warriors stole the advantage right back going into the final quarter of play up 43-42. The intensity stepped up in the fourth quarter with both teams going after the win.
Thalia Shepard knocked down a three pointer to open up the fourth and a drawn charge from
Rose Caso sparked the Warriors on both ends. Just as much of the game had been, this was down to the wire. The Warriors ultimately pulled away late to secure the win over Sacred Heart to stay perfect at home, winning 64-53.
Notes and Numbers
- Thalia Shepard led Merrimack in scoring with 20 points
- Madison Roman controlled the paint pulling in another double with 10 points and 15 rebounds
- Mia Fiore added 16 points and 8 rebounds in the win
Up Next
The Warriors have a quick turnaround as they will play Manhattan University on Saturday January 11th at 2:00 PM.
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