Merrimack Edges Marist in Nail-Biting Finish
Sunday, March 8, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Merrimack Warriors 58, Marist Red Foxes 57, 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 Marist Red Foxes vs Merrimack Warriors?
Merrimack Warriors beat Marist Red Foxes 58-57 at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on March 8, 2026.
Who was favored in Marist Red Foxes vs Merrimack Warriors?
Merrimack Warriors were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -162 (about 62% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling contest at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, the Merrimack Warriors narrowly defeated the Marist Red Foxes with a final score of 58-57. This match was significant not only for its close scoreline but also for the implications it had for both teams as they approached the postseason. Merrimack's victory extends their strong performance this season, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Merrimack entered the game with a home record of 23-10 and had been in excellent form, winning 9 of their last 10 games, including a two-game winning streak. Their scoring average over this stretch was an impressive 74.4 points per game, while allowing only 61.9 points. In their most recent outing, they convincingly defeated the Sacred Heart Pioneers 70-48. The Warriors have been particularly strong at home, boasting a perfect 5-0 record in their last five home games. Their ability to score and defend effectively has been a hallmark of their recent success.
On the other hand, Marist came into the game with a record of 19-12 and had a mixed performance in their last ten games, with a record of 6-4. They were on a one-game winning streak, having recently edged out the Quinnipiac Bobcats 77-75. Marist's scoring average during this stretch was 68.8 points, with a slightly tighter defensive average of 66.6 points allowed. Their away record stood at 4-2 in their last six games, indicating a level of competitiveness even outside their home venue.
Historically, Merrimack has had the upper hand in their recent matchups against Marist, winning three of the last four encounters. This includes a decisive 81-56 victory earlier in the season on February 13, 2026. Such results may have contributed to the confidence Merrimack displayed in this latest matchup.
In terms of injuries, both teams appeared to be at full strength, which is crucial as they head into the final stretch of the season. The absence of key players can often sway the outcome of tightly contested games, but both teams were able to field their best lineups.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Merrimack favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 128.5. The odds indicated a competitive matchup, reflecting the close nature of both teams' recent performances. Merrimack had a moneyline of -162, while Marist was listed at +136, further emphasizing the expectation of a closely contested game.
The conditions during the game were typical for indoor basketball, with the venue providing a neutral ground for both teams. Fans were treated to a back-and-forth contest that kept them on the edge of their seats, especially as the final minutes approached.
As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed a series of scoring plays that highlighted the tension of the match. Kevair Kennedy's driving layup brought Marist within striking distance, while Jaden Daughtry's contributions kept the Red Foxes competitive. However, it was Tye Dorset's clutch three-pointers that ultimately tipped the scales in favor of Merrimack, allowing them to regain the lead late in the game.
In the final moments, the intensity reached a peak as both teams exchanged baskets, but Merrimack's ability to execute under pressure proved decisive. The Warriors' defense held firm against Marist's attempts to secure a late-game victory, culminating in a narrow win that underscores their strong home court advantage.
Overall, this matchup was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams and sets the stage for an exciting finish to the season as they prepare for postseason play.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MRMK -2.5 | 128.5 o -112 / u -108 | Marist Red Foxes +136 · Merrimack Warriors -162 |
Leaders
- PointsTye Dorset23Merrimack Warriors
- AssistsKevair Kennedy4Merrimack Warriors
- ReboundsTye Dorset6Merrimack Warriors
- PointsRhyjon Blackwell15Marist Red Foxes
- AssistsJustin Menard6Marist Red Foxes
- ReboundsJadin Collins-Roberts7Marist Red Foxes
Recent form
Merrimack Warriors
Last 10: 9-1Streak W274.4 scored · 61.9 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W70-48vs Sacred Heart PioneersMar 6
- W73-66at Niagara Purple EaglesMar 1
- L62-67at Canisius Golden GriffinsFeb 28
- W88-86vs Iona GaelsFeb 22
- 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
Marist Red Foxes
Last 10: 6-4Streak W168.8 scored · 66.6 allowed per game4-2 away
- W77-75at Quinnipiac BobcatsMar 7
- L56-63vs Saint Peter's PeacocksMar 1
- W65-63vs Sacred Heart PioneersFeb 22
- W84-70at Manhattan JaspersFeb 21
- L63-67vs Siena SaintsFeb 15
- L56-81at Merrimack WarriorsFeb 13
- L60-63at Fairfield StagsFeb 8
- W81-52vs Rider BroncsFeb 6
- W58-46at Niagara Purple EaglesFeb 1
- W88-86at Canisius Golden GriffinsJan 31
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 | Marist Red Foxes | Merrimack Warriors |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-54 | 20-54 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 37 |
| Three-pointers | 4-11 | 5-17 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 29 |
| Free throws | 7-10 | 13-17 |
| Free throw % | 70 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 26 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 17 |
| Assists | 15 | 11 |
| Steals | 4 | 12 |
| Blocks | 5 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 20 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 30 |
| Fouls | 14 | 11 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 8 | 85 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half17-20Tye Dorset makes driving layup
- 1st Half19-20Parby Kabamba makes 9-foot step back jumpshot
- 1st Half19-23Ernest Shelton makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 1st Half21-23Martin Kawa makes 17-foot jumper
- 1st Half21-26Tye Dorset makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kevair Kennedy assists)
- 1st Half24-26Myles Parker makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 1st Half24-28Todd Brogna makes driving layup
- 1st Half26-28Justin Menard makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 1st Half28-28Rhyjon Blackwell makes layup (Justin Menard assists)
- 1st Half28-29Todd Brogna makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half28-30Todd Brogna makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half31-30Rhyjon Blackwell makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half31-32Ernest Shelton makes driving layup (Todd Brogna assists)
- 2nd Half31-33Kevair Kennedy makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half31-34Kevair Kennedy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half31-36Tye Dorset makes driving layup
- 2nd Half31-38Kevair Kennedy makes driving layup
- 2nd Half33-38Jaden Daughtry makes 4-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half35-38Jaden Daughtry makes driving layup
- 2nd Half37-38Jadin Collins-Roberts makes layup (Parby Kabamba assists)
- 2nd Half37-40Kevair Kennedy makes layup
- 2nd Half40-40Rhyjon Blackwell makes 26-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half40-42Kevair Kennedy makes layup (Tye Dorset assists)
- 2nd Half40-44Tye Dorset makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half40-47Ernest Shelton makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tye Dorset assists)
- 2nd Half42-47Jadin Collins-Roberts makes driving layup
- 2nd Half42-49Tye Dorset makes driving layup
- 2nd Half42-50Kevair Kennedy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-50Justin Menard makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half44-50Justin Menard makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half45-50Justin Menard makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half47-50Jadin Collins-Roberts makes layup
- 2nd Half47-52Kevair Kennedy makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-52Jaden Daughtry makes layup (Jadin Collins-Roberts assists)
- 2nd Half51-52Jaden Daughtry makes layup
- 2nd Half53-52Jadin Collins-Roberts makes layup (Justin Menard assists)
- 2nd Half53-55Tye Dorset makes 27-foot three pointer (Kevair Kennedy assists)
- 2nd Half55-55Justin Menard makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-55Rhyjon Blackwell makes 14-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half57-58Tye Dorset makes 25-foot three point jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Merrimack Warriors, below favours Marist Red Foxes.
Venue
- Jim Whelan Boardwalk HallAtlantic City, NJ
- Attendance1395
- OfficialsPat Driscoll, Steven Perry, Tim Smith
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Merrimack Dominates Marist in Convincing WinFeb 12, 2026
- Merrimack Warriors Defeat Marist Red Foxes 68-55Jan 19, 2026