Pregame Notes: Merrimack vs. FDU (NEC Championship Game)

NORTH ANDOVER — Merrimack and Fairleigh Dickinson will tip off at 7 p.m. tonight to decide the NEC Championship. FDU already knows it will advance to the NCAA Tournament, with Merrimack ineligible due to reclassification rules.

Here are some pregame notes:

• Tonight’s game will be broadcast on ESPN 2. It’s the first time the Merrimack program has been featured on an ESPN linear network (not streaming).

• Merrimack’s projected starting line is the same as in recent weeks. Javon Bennett and Jordan Derkack will play the top of the 2-3 zone with Devon Savage, Ziggy Reid, and Jordan Minor.

• Merrimack’s postseason award winners include: Jordan Minor (NEC Co-Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-NEC), Javon Bennett (Rookie of the Year, All-Rookie Team), Ziggy Reid (Second Team All-NEC), and Jordan Derkack (All-Rookie Team).

• FDU’s team is the shortest team in D-I basketball, according to KenPom (average of 73.4”).