Andres Marrero's career night leads Merrimack past Rider in MAAC opener
Merrimack 68, Rider 66
Behind a career performance from guard Andres Marrero, Merrimack outlasted Rider’s late surge to win its MAAC opener, 68-66, on Thursday night at Lawler Arena.
Marrero delivered a career-high 23 points, anchoring the Warriors in crunch time. The La Salle transfer buried a three-pointer with 3:25 remaining to give Merrimack a 62-60 edge. Moments later, after a key defensive stand, Tye Dorset knocked down another three to stretch the lead to five. With less than two minutes left, Todd Brogna swatted away a layup attempt by Antwan Wilson, and Marrero punctuated the night with yet another timely triple to effectively seal the victory.
“We needed to make some plays,” Marrero said in a postgame interview. “Thank God, at the end of the game, it happened for us. It went our way.
“It means the world. Right now, with everything crazy with the transfer portal and stuff, but I landed here and I’ve been so blessed to be here. I’m blessed to share my last year with a group of amazing guys and an amazing coaching staff. I’m just glad to be a part of this program.”
Freshman Kevair Kennedy logged all 40 minutes and finished with 19 points, extending his streak of double-digit performances to eight consecutive games.
“We’re fortunate,” said Merrimack coach Joe Gallo. “In the past, we’ve had one guy that we wanted the ball in their hands for a late shot. We’d be trying to get the ball to Budd or Jordan Derkack. Now, the ball can go to a number of these guys. They’re all capable of making a big shot.
“I’m just happy for [Marrero]. He’s the greatest kid in the world. He deserves it.”
The Warriors are back at home Sunday afternoon for a 1 p.m. tipoff against Fairfield
.