Derkack and Clark lead Merrimack past LIU in overtime
Derkack and Clark lead Merrimack past LIU in overtime
Jordan Derkack's career-high 34 points led Merrimack over LIU 82-79 in overtime on Thursday night.
Derkack had five rebounds for the Warriors (14-10, 8-2 NEC). Buff Clark scored 27 points while going 11 of 23 and 5 of 7 from the free throw line. Bryan Etumnu was 1 of 2 shooting and 4 of 5 from the free throw line to finish with six points, while adding eight rebounds.
The Sharks (5-17, 4-6) were led by Eric Acker, who recorded 18 points, 11 assists and three steals. Tana Kopa added 17 points and three blocks for LIU. Tai Strickland also put up 13 points, seven rebounds, six assists and six steals.
A 3-pointer by Kopa with three seconds left in regulation tied the game at 73-73.
In overtime, Derkack would strike first with a jumper to put the Warriors up by two. The Sharks would answer with a jumper to tie the game at 75. Clark then found the bottom of the net from the mid-range to give Merrimack back the lead. The Sharks responded with just under two minutes to play, tying the game at 77. Clark would score again with a jumper, Long Island quickly responded with one of their own, tying the game back up. Clark would score the last three points of the game to give Merrimack a three-point win.
Midway through the second half, Derkack dunked and while hanging on the rim the hydraulic basketball hoop folded toward the floor, just making contact with a trailing LIU player.
The Warriors get back to action on Saturday afternoon back home in North Andover against Le Moyne. Game time is set for 3 p.m.
