In a thrilling game on Sunday, Marist narrowly edged out Merrimack with a final score of 61-60 in North Andover, Massachusetts. Elijah Lewis was instrumental in leading the Red Foxes to victory, contributing 13 points and pulling down nine rebounds. This win enhances Marist’s season record to 18-5, standing at 11-3 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Alongside Lewis’s standout performance, Josh Pascarelli also made significant contributions for Marist, notching 12 points while going 3 of 10 from beyond the arc and successfully hitting 3 of 4 from the free-throw line. Tarik Watson matched Pascarelli’s scoring output with 12 points as well, shooting 5 for 10 from the field and converting 2 of 4 free throws.
For the Merrimack Warriors, Adam Clark led the scoring effort with 19 points while also contributing six assists and three steals. Bryan Etumnu added to the Warriors’ efforts with a solid performance, finishing with 13 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Sean Trumper also chipped in with 10 points and four assists, showing a well-rounded performance from the team.
The game took a decisive turn in the closing moments: with Marist trailing 60-59, Lewis delivered a crucial block with just 14 seconds left on the clock. Jaden Daughtry quickly grabbed the rebound and assisted Watson, who scored a layup to secure the lead for Marist with only seven seconds remaining in the match.
This close contest underscored the competitive spirit and intense rivalry in collegiate basketball, showcasing both teams’ determination to emerge victorious. The victory places Marist in a strong position moving forward in their conference schedule.
