Rider defeats Merrimack in high-scoring game at Lawler

Zion Cruz had 23 points in Rider's 83-78 win against Merrimack on Friday.

Cruz added six rebounds for the Broncs (11-18, 7-11 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference). TJ Weeks Jr. scored 13 points and added nine rebounds. Ruben Rodriguez went 4 of 7 from the field (2 for 4 from 3-point range) to finish with 12 points.

Budd Clark finished with 26 points, eight assists and five steals for the Warriors (15-14, 12-6). Bryan Etumnu added 18 points and two blocks for Merrimack. Devon Savage finished with 10 points and two steals.

The loss ends Merrimack’s chances for the top seed in the MAAC. The Warriors are three games behind Quinnipiac in the loss column with two games left. The Warriors are currently in third place. They’re two games behind Marist for second place and one game ahead of Mount St. Mary’s.

Merrimack hosts Quinnipiac on Sunday.