Ernest Shelton's 33 points leads Merrimack past BU
Merrimack 91, Boston University 79
BOSTON — Ernest Shelton caught fire on Saturday, dropping a scorching 33 points to lead the Warriors past Boston University, 91–79, and secure their first win of the season.
Shelton was nearly perfect from deep, hitting 9 of 12 attempts from beyond the arc. He went a perfect 4-for-4 from the stripe — and knocked down one two-point field goal to round out a dominant afternoon.
Shelton’s 33 points were the most by a Warrior since Jordan Derkack scored 34 points against Long Island on Feb. 8, 2024.
“With a group of 10 new guys, it is great to get that first one in the books,” said Merrimack coach Joe Gallo. “With the tough schedule that we play, these guys don’t always get to see the fruits of our labor until conference play. BU is also a tough place to play; we snapped a 12-game home winning streak for them. I’m hoping this builds the belief in what we do, and we can have some momentum heading into the home opener on Wednesday.”
Shelton was the headliner, but Merrimack’s supporting cast showed up in force. Five Warriors finished in double figures, including Kevair Kennedy (16 points), Andres Marrero (14), Tye Dorset (13), and Todd Brogna (11).
Collectively, the Warriors delivered their sharpest perimeter performance of the young season, drilling 19 of 30 threes (63.3 percent). They also continued their strong early-season work at the free-throw line, finishing 14 for 16 (87.5 percent).
But the story remained Shelton, the Division II transfer whom head coach Joe Gallo predicted in the preseason could emerge as the team’s leading scorer. Through four games, the junior is shooting a blistering 51.4 percent from long distance (19 for 37) and an equally impressive 89 percent (24 for 27) at the line. He’s taken only 10 two-point shots — hitting five.
The Philadelphia native has scored in double figures in all four games and has topped 20 points three times. The lone exception was opening night against South Dakota State, when he still managed a solid 15.
The Warriors also won the battle on the glass for the first time this season, out-rebounding BU 33–25.
Kennedy posted season highs in points and assists (8) and narrowly missed a triple-double, hauling in 11 rebounds to lead the Warriors.
Merrimack returns home Wednesday night for its Lawler Arena opener against Maine. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
The Black Bears are 0-3 and will host Quinnipiac tomorrow before heading to North Andover on Wednesday.
