Warriors push past Maine in home opener at Lawler Arena
Merrimack 72, Maine 65
NORTH ANDOVER — Maine made a late charge in the second half, but the Warriors absorbed the push and pulled away from the Black Bears down the stretch, sealing a 72–65 win in Merrimack’s home opener on Wednesday night at Lawler Arena.
“It feels nice to be back home,” said Merrimack coach Joe Gallo. “It was cool to be home. By the end of the game, it was a great crowd with great energy, and I think that really helped us.”
Kevair Kennedy led the way with 23 points and was one of four Warriors in double figures. Ernest Shelton chipped in 14, while Todd Brogna and Andres Marrero added 11 apiece.
Kennedy was sharp, shooting 6-for-9 from the field and knocking down 11 of 14 at the line. He also paced the Warriors with five assists. Brogna anchored the glass with a team-high seven rebounds.
Defensively, the Warriors forced 17 turnovers — including six steals — and turned those mistakes into 17 points.
“That was a big key for us,” said Joe Gallo. “Both teams can make you pay off turnovers. For the first 26 minutes, they weren’t able to get our ball.”
A major test looms on Friday when Merrimack heads south to face Florida, ranked No. 8 in the nation by KenPom. The Gators are 3–1, with their lone loss coming against KenPom No. 5 Arizona on opening night. Florida enters the matchup fresh off an 82–68 win over Miami last Sunday.
Listen to Merrimack head coach Joe Gallo with Ian Beauchesne following last night’s game
