Merrimack Men’s Basketball Falls to Iona at Buzzer

Jack Lawhorne — Student Reporter

New Rochelle, NY — The Merrimack men’s basketball team (12–9, 8–2 MAAC) fell to Iona (13–8, 5–5 MAAC) in a heartbreaker at the buzzer by a score of 61–60 Thursday night.

With 11.1 seconds remaining and the Warriors up two, MC came up empty at the free throw line, and Iona took advantage — marching down the court and beating the buzzer with a last-second three pointer from Toby Harris.

With Saint Peter’s off until their impending matchup Saturday, MC had the opportunity to rise atop the MAAC with a win Thursday, but instead, the loss drops the Warriors to second place in the conference.

Despite the result, multiple players impressed for Merrimack.

KC Ugwuakazi led the charge for the Warriors early, combating a 19-point opening half from Denver Anglin who went a perfect five-of-five from three-point range. Ugwuakazi gave the Warriors the edge with a team-high nine points (3–4 FG) and five rebounds — all of which coming on the offensive glass, and the Warriors entered halftime with a 33–31 advantage.

Ugwuakazi finished the game with 11 points, nine rebounds (seven offensive), and three blocks, while Kevair Kennedy, Ernest Shelton, and Tye Dorset each played all 40 minutes and made largely positive impacts.

The Warriors are back home at Lawler Saturday afternoon for a huge 3:00 p.m. ET contest vs. Saint Peter’s. Winner takes control of the conference standings.