Merrimack Men’s Basketball Defeats Siena, Improves to 6–0 in MAAC

Jack Lawhorne — Student Reporter

Albany, NY — A 17–0 first half run which included six straight points from both Ernest Shelton and KC Ugwuakazi propelled the Merrimack men’s basketball team to a 63–59 win over the Siena Saints Friday night at MVP Arena.

Merrimack led by as much as 19 and held a 16 point lead at the half. The Warriors defense limited Siena to just 22 points in the opening period before the Saints surged back in the second half.

Siena cut the deficit to as little as two in the final minute, but the Warriors weathered the storm. The Saints even drew a foul on a three-point shot while down by as many points with 4.1 seconds left, but the Warriors got lucky, as Gavin Doty missed two out of three at the free throw line.

Ernest Shelton’s three-point shooting was crucial in the win. Shelton led the Warriors in scoring with 17 points, and was helped by Kevair Kennedy who finished with 14 points and six assists as well as KC Ugwuakazi who scored 12 points and added eight rebounds (six offensive) and two steals.

With this win, the Warriors remain undefeated in MAAC play and improve to an impressive 6–0 conference record.

They'll look to make it seven straight Sunday afternoon at the Yanitelli Center in Jersey City, NJ when they take on the Saint Peter's Peacocks. Tip-off is at 2:00 PM ET.