Anthony Borgonzi – Sports Writer
North Andover, MA – The Warriors have responded since starting the season 1-6, winning four straight since Thanksgiving and gaining momentum heading into MAAC conference play.
On Friday night the Warriors returned to Lawler for their third home game of the season against the Boston University Terriers. The Warriors were 0-4 against the Terriers in school history, but the Warriors earned their first win in program history against veteran coach Joe Jones in his 14th season with BU.
The Warriors were ready from tip off, starting the game with a kill shot. The Warriors knocked down three quick three pointers to jump out to a 11-0 start just over five minutes into the game. The Warriors defense caused problems for the Terriers holding the Terriers to 21 first half points. This defensive effort was led by Sean Trumpers 3 steals and Bryan Etumnu’s 2 blocks. The Warriors maintained this 10 point lead throughout the first half heading into halftime leading 29-21.
In the second half, the Terriers had adjusted and were able to work the Merrimack lead down to 5 points early in the second half at the eighteen minute mark. However, the Warriors were able to withstand the Terrier push and deliver their second kill shot of the game. For the next four minutes, Merrimack was able to go on their second 10-0 run and take a 43-28 lead with fourteen minutes remaining in the second half.
The Warriors maintained a ten point lead for seven minutes, but with seven minutes remaining the Terriers made their final push. The Terriers willed themselves back into the game and somehow found themselves down 58-59 with two minutes remaining. In the clutch, Bryan Etumnu blocked a corner three point attempt. The next trip down the floor Budd Clark assisted Bryan Etumnu for his second three pointer of the game when he hit a Mikal Bridge–like celebration to take a four point lead with 1:27 remaining! The Warriors were able to hold off and grind out a 64-61 win over a Terrier team that dominated the Warriors last season.
The Warriors offense was led by two-time MAAC player of the week Budd Clark, who scored 18 points and dished out 8 assists. Clark currently averages 19.7 ppg and ranks 25th nationally in scoring per game. While Trumper and Etumnu combined for an efficient 22 points. Matt Becht knocked down two threes, while Malik Edmead and Armandas Plintauskas knocked down each of their three point attempts off the bench. As a team, the Warriors shot 47% from downtown, an encouraging sign as the team struggled from beyond the arch earlier this season.
On the defensive side of the ball, Sean Trumper led the Warriors with four steals while they forced 11 turnovers as a team. While David Murray was able to provide valuable minutes off the bench, grabbing 3 rebounds and clogging up the paint with 2 blocks. Murray has been effective in his role as the first big man off the bench this season and proven to be a reliable replacement for Trumper or Etumnu if foul trouble arises. Home court has played a factor this season, as opposing teams have shot 60% from the free throw line all together when visiting North Andover.
The Warriors head west to California to play their final pair of non-conference scheduled games. The Warriors will visit Northern California to play the Stanford Cardinal (#82 kenpom) on Tuesday 12/17 @10pm EST. Two days later, they will face off against the St. Mary’s Gaels (#34 kenpom) on Thursday 12/19 @10pm EST. The final test this week will conclude the Warriors non-conference schedule, preparing them for conference play after the New Year.
