Warriors remain unbeaten in MAAC play after holding off Sacred Heart

Merrimack fended off a last-minute comeback from Sacred Heart for a 66-65 win on the road Friday morning on the road.

The Warriors led by Nine points with three minutes to play, but the Pioneers went on a 7-0 run to pull within a possession in the final minute. Merrimack survived the final 24 seconds and won a one-point game.

Adam Plintauskas hit a key 3-pointer with 3:27 left in the game that extended Merrimack’s lead to 64-57 and allowed them to survive the late push from the Pioneers.

The Warriors were led by Budd Clark, who had 23 points. Bryan Etumnu (12 points) also scored in double figures and finished with two blocks.

Merrimack led by 11 points at halftime.

The win improved Merrimack’s record to 7-8 overall, and they remained perfect (4-0) in MAAC play. The victory was also Joe Gallo’s 150th career win as head coach of the Warriors.

The Warriors will host Manhattan on Sunday afternoon (2 p.m.).