NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – It's a match up that encapsulates the spirit of college basketball, ESPNU broadcaster Derek Jones summarized.
Tim Welsh and Jones will be on the call when the Merrimack men's basketball team hosts Siena at Lawler Arena on Friday night, a sold-out event that will be nationally televised on ESPNU.
Both Welsh and Jones have been impressed with Merrimack's defense and can see the imprint head coach
Joe Gallo has had on the conference-leading Warriors.
"I think any time teams have seasons like this, you look at the head coach," Jones said on Thursday afternoon, some 24 hours ahead of Friday's 8 p.m. ET tip. "The head coach is a reflection of the team's personality, if that makes sense. He's definitely preached that 'Make Chaos' mantra, and the team is living it on the floor defensively. They've bought in."
The Warriors limit opponents to 66.7 points per game this season, a product of an aggressive zone which makes it difficult to get good looks from long range. Opponents have shot 29% from 3-point range against Merrimack.
"Obviously, the way they play defense is just so impressive," said Welsh, the former Providence College basketball coach.
Jones lauded Gallo for elevating the program through the college ranks.
"He has created a culture that extends beyond what goes on on the floor," Jones said. "It's extended to what's going on with the fans. And I'm really looking forward to the game because these are two of the most passionate fan bases in the MAAC. And I think that's really going to make for some pretty entertaining television."
Warrior fans, as Jones acknowledged, have every reason to believe their team will be the last one standing in Atlantic City. Merrimack is nearing the regular-season title and currently the top seed in the conference tournament. A win against Siena and a St. Peter's loss would grant the Warriors at least a share of the regular-season title.
"I think that's a little bit of the backdrop for tomorrow," Jones said. "Look, regardless of what happens in March, winning a regular-season title still means something to teams. There's a lot at stake for the game.
"And you can make the case this is a match up to win Player of the Year in (Gavin) Doty and, obviously, Kevair (Kennedy)," Jones continued. "This is a really big match up, and I love that this is on TV. Love it."
Welsh lauded Kennedy, who recently sweep the MAAC awards. The Merrimack freshman claimed his first Player of the Week honor and fifth Rookie of the Week recognition. Kennedy enters the match up averaging 17.7 points per game on 47% from the field.
Tip off from Lawler Arena on Friday night is set for 8 p.m. ET.
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