Clark leads Merrimack's comeback win over Niagara
Budd Clark's career-high 32 points led Merrimack over Niagara 64-59 on Thursday night.
Clark had seven rebounds and six steals for the Warriors (13-10, 10-2 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference). Sean Trumper scored 13 points while shooting 4 for 9 (0 for 3 from 3-point range) and 5 of 7 from the free-throw line. Bryan Etumnu went 2 of 4 from the field to finish with six points.
The Warriors trailed by as many as eight points in the second half before coming back to secure their 13th win of the season.
After trading leads late in the game, Trumper drove the lane for two, tying the game at 59-59. With under a minute, Clark found a hole in the defense, scoring easily, giving Merrimack a two-point lead. After a defensive stop, Etumnu knocked down a free throw, making it a three-point advantage. The Warriors converted another stop on the defensive end. Clark then knocked down two free throws, icing the game for Merrimack.
The Purple Eagles (8-14, 3-8) were led by Jhaylon Martinez, who posted 13 points and seven rebounds. Josiah Davis added 11 points for Niagara. Justice Smith also had six points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Both teams next play Saturday. Merrimack hosts Canisius and Niagara goes on the road to play Quinnipiac.
