Canisius Defeats Merrimack in Close Contest
Friday, February 27, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Koessler Athletic Center
Canisius Golden Griffins 67, Merrimack Warriors 62, 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 Merrimack Warriors vs Canisius Golden Griffins?
Canisius Golden Griffins beat Merrimack Warriors 67-62 at Koessler Athletic Center on February 27, 2026.
Who was favored in Merrimack Warriors vs Canisius Golden Griffins?
Merrimack Warriors were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -485 (about 83% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Koessler Athletic Center, the Canisius Golden Griffins edged out the Merrimack Warriors with a final score of 67-62. This victory is particularly significant for Canisius, who had struggled throughout the season, ending a streak of nine losses in their last ten games. The Golden Griffins improved their overall record to 11-20 with this win, while Merrimack fell to 20-11.
Canisius entered the game with a home record of 10-20 and had been averaging 63.3 points scored while allowing 70.8 points per game over their last ten outings. Their recent form had been disappointing, with a record of 1-9 in their last ten games, culminating in a one-game losing streak. In contrast, Merrimack had been on a hot streak, winning nine of their last ten games, including an impressive eight-game winning streak leading into this contest. The Warriors had a solid away record of 20-10, averaging 73.4 points scored and allowing only 61.3 points per game during that stretch.
The matchup was notable not only for its implications on the standings but also for the previous meetings between the two teams. Canisius had lost both of their last encounters with Merrimack, including a 51-69 defeat earlier in the season and a 52-60 loss in December 2024. This win marked a crucial turnaround for Canisius, who had been seeking to break their losing trend against Merrimack.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either side, which allowed both teams to field their strongest lineups. The game also featured competitive odds from DraftKings, who had priced Merrimack as 8.5-point favorites with a moneyline of -485, while Canisius was listed at +370. The total points line was set at 129.5, indicating expectations for a relatively low-scoring affair.
As the game unfolded, Canisius managed to hold off Merrimack's late-game attempts to rally. Key moments in the second half included a series of free throws that helped Canisius maintain their slim lead. Bryan Ndjonga and Mike Evbagharu were instrumental in securing the victory, converting crucial free throws in the closing moments of the game.
The conditions inside the Koessler Athletic Center were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, with fans supporting their home team in what turned out to be a nail-biter. Viewers were treated to a display of defensive grit, particularly from Canisius, who managed to stifle Merrimack's scoring opportunities in critical moments.
Overall, this game stands out not only for the final score but also for its implications on the season for both teams. Canisius's victory could serve as a turning point as they look to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MRMK -8.5 | 129.5 o -110 / u -110 | Merrimack Warriors -485 · Canisius Golden Griffins +370 |
Leaders
- PointsBryan Ndjonga18Canisius Golden Griffins
- AssistsMax Jusianiec4Canisius Golden Griffins
- ReboundsBryan Ndjonga7Canisius Golden Griffins
- PointsKevair Kennedy25Merrimack Warriors
- AssistsAndrés Marrero3Merrimack Warriors
- ReboundsTodd Brogna8Merrimack Warriors
Recent form
Canisius Golden Griffins
Last 10: 1-9Streak L163.3 scored · 70.8 allowed per game0-4 at home
- L47-68at Mount St. Mary's MountaineersFeb 22
- W72-66at Rider BroncsFeb 21
- L65-69vs Manhattan JaspersFeb 15
- L63-69vs Iona GaelsFeb 14
- L60-75at Quinnipiac BobcatsFeb 6
- L56-65at Niagara Purple EaglesFeb 3
- L63-78vs Siena SaintsFeb 1
- L86-88vs Marist Red FoxesJan 31
- L55-61at Fairfield StagsJan 25
- L66-69at Sacred Heart PioneersJan 23
Merrimack Warriors
Last 10: 9-1Streak W873.4 scored · 61.3 allowed per game4-1 away
- 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
- W67-59vs Saint Peter's PeacocksJan 24
- L60-61at Iona GaelsJan 23
- W68-55at Marist Red FoxesJan 19
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 | Merrimack Warriors | Canisius Golden Griffins |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 19-48 | 22-49 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 6-27 | 7-13 |
| Three-point % | 22 | 54 |
| Free throws | 18-24 | 16-17 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 94 |
| Rebounds | 25 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 24 |
| Assists | 10 | 15 |
| Steals | 8 | 3 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 2 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 26 |
| Fouls | 13 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 67 | 20 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half36-33Mike Evbagharu makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half38-33Tye Dorset makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Kevair Kennedy assists)
- 2nd Half40-33Ernest Shelton makes 1-foot dunk (Andrés Marrero assists)
- 2nd Half40-35Bryan Ndjonga makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half42-35Tye Dorset makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half42-37Bryan Ndjonga makes layup (Max Jusianiec assists)
- 2nd Half42-40Kahlil Singleton makes 28-foot three point jumper (Mike Evbagharu assists)
- 2nd Half45-40Tye Dorset makes 26-foot three point jumper (Andrés Marrero assists)
- 2nd Half45-42Mike Evbagharu makes 1-foot dunk (Kahlil Singleton assists)
- 2nd Half45-43Mike Evbagharu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-44Mike Evbagharu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-44Todd Brogna makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kevair Kennedy assists)
- 2nd Half48-45King Ijeoma makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-46King Ijeoma makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-46Kevair Kennedy makes layup
- 2nd Half50-49Kahlil Singleton makes 26-foot three point jumper (Evan van der Plas assists)
- 2nd Half50-51Mike Evbagharu makes layup
- 2nd Half52-51Kevair Kennedy makes layup
- 2nd Half53-51Kevair Kennedy makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half53-53Mike Evbagharu makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half55-53Todd Brogna makes layup
- 2nd Half55-54Kahlil Singleton makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half55-55Kahlil Singleton makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half55-56Kahlil Singleton makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half56-56Kevair Kennedy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-58Max Jusianiec makes layup (Javante Edwards assists)
- 2nd Half57-58Todd Brogna makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-58Todd Brogna makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-59Bryan Ndjonga makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-59Kevair Kennedy makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-59Kevair Kennedy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-61Bryan Ndjonga makes layup (Max Jusianiec assists)
- 2nd Half60-62Bryan Ndjonga makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-63Bryan Ndjonga makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-63Kevair Kennedy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-64Mike Evbagharu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-65Mike Evbagharu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-65Kevair Kennedy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-66Bryan Ndjonga makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-67Bryan Ndjonga makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Canisius Golden Griffins, below favours Merrimack Warriors.
Venue
- Koessler Athletic CenterBuffalo, NY
- Attendance553
- OfficialsRyan Corbett, Vasili Mallios, Tyler Sandmann
Elsewhere
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- 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