Ugwuakazi’s block party and Dorset's big afternoon powers Warriors to win over Fairfield
Merrimack 74, Fairfield 63
KC Ugwuakazi was a dominant presence on the defensive end for the Warriors, blocking five Fairfield shots and anchoring a performance that powered Merrimack to a 74-63 victory over the Stags on Sunday afternoon at Lawler Arena.
The win pushed Merrimack to 2-0 in MAAC play.
The Warriors came out flying with a stunning 19-0 run to open the game. Fairfield clawed back into contention late, but Merrimack held firm, thanks in large part to the defensive efforts of Ugwuakazi and a relentless approach that produced 10 steals, three of which came from Tye Dorset.
Kevair Kennedy paced the Warriors with 20 points, while Dorset chipped in 19 and Todd Brogna added 13. Brogna also hauled down eight rebounds, and Ugwuakazi contributed seven boards to round out his impactful night.
Merrimack shot efficiently from long range, hitting 40 percent of its attempts from beyond the arc (8-for-20). Dorset went 3-for-5 from deep, and Brogna connected on 3-of-6.
The Warriors closed out the game without Kennedy, who fouled out with just under two minutes to play, yet never relinquished control.
Merrimack now embarks on a three-game road trip, facing Princeton on Wednesday, Vermont next Sunday, and Sacred Heart on Dec. 29. The Warriors return to Lawler Arena on Jan. 2 for a matchup against Mount St. Mary’s.
