NCAAB · Final/2OT

Merrimack Edges Iona in Thrilling Double Overtime Finish

Sunday, February 22, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · Lawler Arena

Merrimack Warriors 88, Iona Gaels 86, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Iona Gaels vs Merrimack Warriors?

Merrimack Warriors beat Iona Gaels 88-86 at Lawler Arena on February 22, 2026.

In a nail-biting encounter that extended into double overtime, the Merrimack Warriors triumphed over the Iona Gaels with a final score of 88-86. The game, held at Lawler Arena, showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, but it was Merrimack that ultimately secured the victory after a hard-fought battle.

Merrimack entered the game with a strong home record of 20-9 and had been in excellent form, boasting a 9-1 record over their last ten games, including a seven-game winning streak. They averaged 72.9 points scored while allowing just 59.8 points per game during this stretch, reflecting their solid defensive capabilities. Their last match before facing Iona was a win against the Siena Saints, where they scored 79 points.

On the other hand, Iona, with a record of 16-13, had a more challenging recent run, going 4-6 in their last ten games. They managed to snap a five-game losing streak with a win against the Saint Peter's Peacocks prior to this matchup, where they scored 72 points. Iona's scoring average during their last ten games was 68.5 points, with an average of 69.6 points allowed, indicating a slight struggle on the defensive end.

The Warriors had a perfect home record of 5-0 in their last five games, while Iona struggled away, recording just one win in their last five attempts on the road. The previous meeting between these two teams earlier in the season ended with a narrow victory for Iona, who won 61-60 on January 23, 2026. This added an extra layer of intensity to the rematch, as Merrimack sought to avenge that loss.

In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any players missing from either team, suggesting that both squads were at full strength for this crucial matchup. This was significant as both teams were looking to solidify their standings and build momentum as the season progressed.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Merrimack favored by 6.5 points with a total set at 136.5. The odds for the over were at -115.0, while the under was at -105.0, indicating a balanced expectation for scoring between the two teams.

As the game unfolded, it was clear that both teams were evenly matched, with the lead changing hands multiple times. The atmosphere in Lawler Arena was electric, with fans on the edge of their seats as the game approached its climax. In the second overtime, the scoring plays were crucial, with key contributions from both sides. Kevair Kennedy made a critical free throw, and Todd Brogna's driving layup put Merrimack ahead. Iona responded with a three-pointer from Luke Jungers, but Merrimack's Ernest Shelton answered back with a three of his own, showcasing the back-and-forth nature of the contest.

Ultimately, it was the Warriors' ability to execute under pressure that made the difference. They managed to maintain composure in the final moments, with Lamin Sabally and Tye Dorset contributing crucial free throws that sealed the victory. The final score of 88-86 reflected not only the intensity of the game but also the skill and determination of both teams.

This thrilling matchup between Merrimack and Iona will be remembered for its dramatic finish and the high level of competition displayed by both squads. As the season continues, both teams will look to build on this experience, with Merrimack looking to extend their winning streak and Iona aiming to regain their form as they head into the final stretch of the season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	MRMK -6.5	136.5 o -115 / u -105	Iona Gaels — · Merrimack Warriors —

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsKevair Kennedy20Merrimack Warriors
AssistsKevair Kennedy7Merrimack Warriors
ReboundsTodd Brogna9Merrimack Warriors
PointsCJ Anthony25Iona Gaels
AssistsCJ Anthony5Iona Gaels
ReboundsLamin Sabally11Iona Gaels

Recent form

Merrimack Warriors

Last 10: 9-1Streak W772.9 scored · 59.8 allowed per game5-0 at home

W79-72vs Siena SaintsFeb 21
W56-49at Quinnipiac BobcatsFeb 15
W81-56vs Marist Red FoxesFeb 13
W73-47at Rider BroncsFeb 8
W87-70at Mount St. Mary's MountaineersFeb 6
W75-58vs Sacred Heart PioneersFeb 1
W67-59vs Saint Peter's PeacocksJan 24
L60-61at Iona GaelsJan 23
W68-55at Marist Red FoxesJan 19
W83-71vs Quinnipiac BobcatsJan 17

Iona Gaels

Last 10: 4-6Streak W168.5 scored · 69.6 allowed per game1-4 away

W72-64vs Saint Peter's PeacocksFeb 21
L68-70at Niagara Purple EaglesFeb 15
W69-63at Canisius Golden GriffinsFeb 14
L76-83vs Mount St. Mary's MountaineersFeb 8
L72-79at Siena SaintsFeb 6
L70-71vs Fairfield StagsJan 31
W66-57vs Manhattan JaspersJan 25
W61-60vs Merrimack WarriorsJan 23
L63-77at Saint Peter's PeacocksJan 19
L68-72at Rider BroncsJan 15

Standings

Team	Overall	Games behind	In conference
Merrimack	23-11	-	17-3
Saint Peter's	17-12	3	14-6
Siena	23-12	4	13-7
Marist	19-12	5	12-8
Quinnipiac	19-13	5	12-8
Fairfield	21-13	6	11-9
Mount St. Mary's	15-17	6	11-9
Iona	18-14	7	10-10
Sacred Heart	14-19	8	9-11
Manhattan	12-20	9	8-12
Canisius	10-21	12	5-15
Niagara	8-22	12	5-15
Rider	4-25	14	3-17

Box score

Stat	Iona Gaels	Merrimack Warriors
Field goals	30-68	26-63
Field goal %	44	41
Three-pointers	14-34	11-33
Three-point %	41	33
Free throws	12-16	25-28
Free throw %	75	89
Rebounds	45	32
Offensive rebounds	14	6
Defensive rebounds	31	26
Assists	17	18
Steals	2	9
Blocks	4	9
Turnovers	12	4
Team turnovers	1	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	2	16
Fast-break points	0	7
Points in the paint	32	28
Fouls	19	15
Largest lead	6	15
Lead changes	4	4
Time in front	9	81

How the scoring went

2nd Half41-56Kevair Kennedy makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tye Dorset assists)
2nd Half44-56Toby Harris makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kosy Akametu assists)
2nd Half44-58KC Ugwuakazi makes layup (Todd Brogna assists)
2nd Half47-58Toby Harris makes 23-foot three point jumper (CJ Anthony assists)
2nd Half49-58Lamin Sabally makes 4-foot hook shot (CJ Anthony assists)
2nd Half52-58Toby Harris makes 23-foot three point jumper (Lamin Sabally assists)
2nd Half52-60Todd Brogna makes layup (Tye Dorset assists)
2nd Half52-61Todd Brogna makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half52-64Tye Dorset makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kevair Kennedy assists)
2nd Half54-64CJ Anthony makes 12-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half56-64Luke Jungers makes driving layup
2nd Half57-64Luke Jungers makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half59-64Kosy Akametu makes layup
2nd Half62-64CJ Anthony makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kosy Akametu assists)
2nd Half62-66Kevair Kennedy makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
2nd Half65-66CJ Anthony makes 26-foot three point jumper (Denver Anglin assists)
2nd Half65-67Ernest Shelton makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half65-68Ernest Shelton makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half68-68CJ Anthony makes 25-foot three point jumper
OT68-71Tye Dorset makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kevair Kennedy assists)
OT71-71Luke Jungers makes 23-foot three point jumper (CJ Anthony assists)
OT72-71Kosy Akametu makes free throw 2 of 2
OT75-71CJ Anthony makes 27-foot three point jumper (Luke Jungers assists)
OT77-71CJ Anthony makes 8-foot floating jump shot
OT77-74Todd Brogna makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kevair Kennedy assists)
OT77-75Andrés Marrero makes free throw 1 of 3
OT77-76Andrés Marrero makes free throw 2 of 3
OT77-77Andrés Marrero makes free throw 3 of 3
2OT77-79Todd Brogna makes 1-foot dunk (Tye Dorset assists)
2OT80-79Luke Jungers makes 22-foot three point jumper (CJ Anthony assists)
2OT80-80Ernest Shelton makes free throw 1 of 2
2OT80-81Kevair Kennedy makes free throw 1 of 2
2OT80-82Kevair Kennedy makes free throw 2 of 2
2OT80-84Todd Brogna makes driving layup
2OT83-84Luke Jungers makes 25-foot three point jumper (Lamin Sabally assists)
2OT83-87Ernest Shelton makes 27-foot three point jumper (Todd Brogna assists)
2OT84-87Lamin Sabally makes free throw 1 of 2
2OT85-87Lamin Sabally makes free throw 2 of 2
2OT85-88Tye Dorset makes free throw 2 of 2
2OT86-88Lamin Sabally makes free throw 1 of 2