Derkack scores 21, Merrimack downs Fairleigh Dickinson 60-56 in NEC opener

NORTH ANDOVER — Jordan Derkack had 21 points in Merrimack's 60-56 win over Fairleigh Dickinson in the Northeast Conference opener on Thursday night.

The game was a rematch of last year’s NEC Championship game, which Merrimack won 67-66.

Derkack also added five rebounds, six assists, and three steals for the Warriors (7-8, 1-0 NEC). Budd Clark scored nine points while finishing 4 of 9 from the floor. Samba Diallo was 3 of 5 shooting, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 1 for 3 from the line to finish with eight points.

Ansley Almonor led the way for the Knights (6-9) with 17 points and nine rebounds. Sean Moore added 14 points, 10 rebounds and two steals for Fairleigh Dickinson. Joe Munden Jr. also recorded nine points.

FDU led by six points with 8:19 to play in the game before the Warriors closed the game on a 15-5 run.

NEXT: The Warriors will host Sacred Heart on Saturday afternoon at Lawler Arena (3 p.m.)