Merrimack beats Vermont on opening night at Lawler Arena
Budd Clark led the Warriors with 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists
On Saturday night, the Merrimack men’s basketball team upset preseason America East favorite Vermont, 65-51, on opening night at Lawler Arena.
Budd Clark led the Warriors with 19 points and added six rebounds and six assists.
“That game was as advertised,” said Merrimack coach Joe Gallo. “We knew it would be a low-possession slugfest. It opened up a bit in the second half, but because of the pace of play, if you get up 10 in a game like that, it can be hard to fight your way back.
“I have so much respect for that program. The reason we play them is because they are who we are trying to be.”
Sean Trumper added 11 points, finishing 5 of 11 from the floor, and seven rebounds. Matt Becht had 11 points and finished 3 of 7 from 3-point range.
“[Trumper] gave up those two corner 3-pointers early, and I think that had him thinking a little too much,” Gallo said. “Once he started playing, he was a monster. He was as physical as anyone in that game. When we needed some baskets, he made some big ones.”
The Catamounts were an NCAA Tournament team last season after winning America East, and they were the preseason favorite to win the league again this season. The Catamounts had a win over UAB and a loss to No. 11 Auburn on its record before losing to the Warriors.
TJ Long finished with 22 points and two steals for the Catamounts (1-2). TJ Hurley added 11 points and two steals for Vermont. Noah Barnett finished with five points.
The Warriors will visit VCU on Wednesday night. The Rams are off to a 2-0 start with wins over Bellarmine and Boston College.
