Merrimack Men’s Basketball Falls to Vermont

Jack Lawhorne – Student Reporter

Burlington, VT – The Merrimack Men’s Basketball Team (6–7, 2–0 MAAC) wrapped up the first stretch of the season at Patrick Gymnasium Sunday afternoon with a 66–59 loss to Vermont (7–5).

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Warriors struggled shooting in the first half (8–26 FG, 1–12 3PT), but finished the period +3 in the turnover department to stay in the game. MC had it within three (24–21) before the Catamounts closed the segment with a 6–0 run to enter halftime up 30–21.

Out of the break, Vermont scored six more points straight to open the period — extending their run to 12, and their lead to 15.

But Kevair Kennedy kept Merrimack alive, scoring or assisting on 15 of his team’s first 17 points of the second half.

With under five minutes remaining, Vermont led 55–47 before Merrimack sparked for a 5–0 burst to cut the Catamount command to three and force a timeout.

But in the end, it was too little, too late. Merrimack had the deficit down to as little as 56–54 with 2:32 to play, but TJ Long put it away for Vermont by nailing a trio of jumpers.

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

Kevair Kennedy finished with 20 points (7–14 FG, 6–6 FT) and 7 assists. Kennedy would score or assist on 26 of 38 total second half MC points.

Tye Dorset (12 pts) and Ernest Shelton (11 pts) also finished in double-digits for the Warriors.

KC Ugwuakazi contributed positively for MC as well, tallying 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

The Warriors enter a two-week Christmas recess at 6–7 (2–0 MAAC) and will return to action Dec. 29 at Sacred Heart to open their final 18-game MAAC slate.