NORTH ANDOVER, MA – Matt Becht (18 points) and Devon Savage (12) combined to make 10 threes to lead Merrimack over Siena Basketball 64-58 at Hammel Court in the first matchup between the new MAAC foes in 43 years, and first meeting in the Commonwealth in 49 years.
 
Three-time MAAC Player of the Week and the conference's leader in both scoring and assists, Adam Clark scored 13 of his 15 points in the second half for Merrimack (9-9, 6-1) which has won 25 of its last 28 at home. The early MAAC Player of the Year favorite stuffed the stat sheet, adding seven rebounds, six assists, and four of the Warriors 15 steals.
 
Brendan Coyle tallied 16 points and seven rebounds to lead shorthanded Siena (8-10, 3-4) who was down a second starter with the absence of Peter Carey (upper body injury). Gavin Doty added his second straight double-double and third in five games with 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Saints who were a season-best +17 (40-23) on the glass.
 
Merrimack led for more than 34 minutes, but it was mostly close throughout. The Warriors scored 11 straight early to take as much as an 11-point lead at 19-8 midway through the first half. Siena responded with an 11-2 run and Merrimack took a 37-32 lead at the break.
 
The Saints kept chipping away in the second half, ultimately rallying to tie the game at 47-all with 13:22 to play. But the Warriors responded with the next seven points to reclaim a lead they would not relinquish. Merrimack held Siena at arm's length down the stretch, never letting the Saints get any closer than four.
 
The MAAC leader in both turnover margin and fewest turnovers committed, the Warriors were +13 in the turnover battle, forcing the Saints into 17 miscues. Meanwhile, Merrimack dished out 16 assists while committing just four turnovers.
 
The Warriors also shot a combined 11-29 from distance while Siena was just 4-18.
 
Justice Shoats rounded out the double figure scorers for the Saints with 10 points and five assists. Devin Brafford added nine points, nine rebounds, and six blocks in his first collegiate start.  
 
Siena returns to the Capital Region to host Mount St. Mary's for their second straight Thursday MAAC home game on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m.
 
This postgame recap is proudly presented by The Brothers that just do Gutters, a proud partner of Siena Athletics. Trust the team that always comes through – on the court and for your home.