Merrimack Edges Princeton in Tight Contest
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 5:00 PM ET · Jadwin Gymnasium
Merrimack Warriors 59, Princeton Tigers 56, 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 Princeton Tigers?
Merrimack Warriors beat Princeton Tigers 59-56 at Jadwin Gymnasium on December 10, 2025.
Who was favored in Merrimack Warriors vs Princeton Tigers?
Princeton Tigers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -130 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested game at Jadwin Gymnasium, the Merrimack Warriors narrowly defeated the Princeton Tigers with a final score of 59-56. This matchup was particularly interesting as it featured two teams with contrasting recent performances, with Merrimack coming into the game on a three-game winning streak while Princeton struggled with a six-game losing streak.
Princeton's recent form has been concerning, as they have recorded a 2-8 record over their last ten games, averaging 69.3 points scored while allowing 72.3 points per game. Their home record stands at 2-3, but they have been particularly poor away from home, with an away record of 0-5. In their last five games, Princeton has averaged 66.6 points scored and 70.8 points allowed, highlighting their struggles on both ends of the court. Their last game before facing Merrimack was a loss against the Loyola Chicago Ramblers, where they fell 68-73.
In contrast, Merrimack has shown a more balanced performance recently, with a 5-5 record in their last ten games and a scoring average of 65.8 points while allowing 73.9 points per game. They have been more successful at home, boasting a 3-0 record, but have struggled on the road with a 2-5 away record. Their last five games have seen them average 66.2 points scored and 68.8 points allowed, with their most recent victory coming against the Fairfield Stags, where they won 74-63.
The teams had met once before this season, with Princeton winning that encounter 68-57 on November 17, 2024. This previous victory may have added an extra layer of tension to this rematch, as Merrimack sought to avenge their earlier loss.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide any specific information, but the recent form of both teams suggests that they were fielding their available rosters. The game was priced by DraftKings, which set the spread at Princeton -2.5, indicating that they were favored to win by that margin. The total for the game was set at 134.5, with over odds at -115.0 and under odds at -105.0, reflecting expectations for a moderately low-scoring affair.
The conditions at Jadwin Gymnasium were typical for a December evening, and the atmosphere was charged as both teams fought hard for every point. As the game progressed, it became clear that every possession would be crucial. The scoring plays in the second half showcased the tight nature of the contest, with key free throws and a three-point jumper by Tye Dorset that shifted the momentum in favor of Merrimack.
As the game drew to a close, Merrimack managed to maintain their lead, with crucial free throws from players like Dylan Veillette sealing the victory. The final moments were tense, with Princeton attempting to claw back but ultimately falling short. This result not only extends Princeton's losing streak but also reinforces Merrimack's positive momentum as they continue their season.
Overall, this game highlighted the competitive nature of college basketball, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses. Fans watching the game would have noted the intensity and determination from both sides, making for an exciting matchup.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | PRIN -2.5 | 134.5 o -115 / u -105 | Merrimack Warriors +110 · Princeton Tigers -130 |
Leaders
- PointsJackson Hicke21Princeton Tigers
- AssistsJackson Hicke5Princeton Tigers
- ReboundsJackson Hicke9Princeton Tigers
- PointsErnest Shelton16Merrimack Warriors
- AssistsKevair Kennedy4Merrimack Warriors
- ReboundsKevair Kennedy6Merrimack Warriors
Recent form
Princeton Tigers
Last 10: 2-8Streak L669.3 scored · 72.3 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L68-73at Loyola Chicago RamblersDec 6
- L58-63at Monmouth HawksDec 4
- L58-60vs Saint Joseph's HawksNov 30
- L74-79vs Vermont CatamountsNov 26
- L75-79vs Temple OwlsNov 26
- L64-88at Bradley BravesNov 25
- W70-57vs Northeastern HuskiesNov 21
- L69-89at Iona GaelsNov 19
- L57-76at Kansas JayhawksNov 15
- W100-59vs John Jay BloodhoundsNov 14
Merrimack Warriors
Last 10: 5-5Streak W365.8 scored · 73.9 allowed per game2-5 away
- W74-63vs Fairfield StagsDec 7
- W68-66vs Rider BroncsDec 5
- W66-60at La Salle ExplorersNov 30
- L58-78at Hofstra PrideNov 29
- L65-77at Pennsylvania QuakersNov 28
- L45-80at Florida GatorsNov 22
- W72-65vs Maine Black BearsNov 20
- W91-79at Boston University TerriersNov 15
- L62-76at Tarleton State TexansNov 12
- L57-95at Auburn TigersNov 7
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 |
| Yale | 24-7 | - | 11-3 |
| Harvard | 17-12 | 1 | 10-4 |
| Pennsylvania | 18-12 | 2 | 9-5 |
| Cornell | 15-13 | 3 | 8-6 |
| Columbia | 16-12 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Dartmouth | 11-16 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Princeton | 9-20 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Brown | 9-18 | 8 | 3-11 |
Box score
| Stat | Merrimack Warriors | Princeton Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 18-46 | 17-57 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 30 |
| Three-pointers | 5-19 | 5-17 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 29 |
| Free throws | 18-20 | 17-21 |
| Free throw % | 90 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 26 | 45 |
| Offensive rebounds | 3 | 19 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 26 |
| Assists | 9 | 8 |
| Steals | 6 | 4 |
| Blocks | 6 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 5 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 5 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 0 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 24 |
| Fouls | 16 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 11 | 11 |
| Time in front | 71 | 14 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half31-27Kevair Kennedy made Free Throw.
- 1st Half32-27Kevair Kennedy made Free Throw.
- 1st Half32-29Jackson Hicke made Layup.
- 2nd Half32-31Sebastian Whitfield made Layup.
- 2nd Half33-31Ernest Shelton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half34-31Ernest Shelton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half34-33Sebastian Whitfield made Jumper.
- 2nd Half34-36Jackson Hicke made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Jack Stanton.
- 2nd Half35-36Kevair Kennedy made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half36-36Kevair Kennedy made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half38-36Ernest Shelton made Layup. Assisted by Kevair Kennedy.
- 2nd Half39-36Ernest Shelton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half41-36Todd Brogna made Layup.
- 2nd Half43-36Kevair Kennedy made Layup.
- 2nd Half43-38CJ Happy made Layup. Assisted by Jackson Hicke.
- 2nd Half43-39CJ Happy made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half46-39Ernest Shelton made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Todd Brogna.
- 2nd Half46-40Jake Sussberg made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half46-41Jake Sussberg made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half46-42Malik Abdullahi made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half46-43Malik Abdullahi made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half46-45Malik Abdullahi made Layup.
- 2nd Half46-46Sebastian Whitfield made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half46-47Sebastian Whitfield made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half46-50Jackson Hicke made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by CJ Happy.
- 2nd Half48-50KC Ugwuakazi made Dunk. Assisted by Kevair Kennedy.
- 2nd Half49-50Kevair Kennedy made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half50-50Kevair Kennedy made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half50-51Malik Abdullahi made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half50-52Malik Abdullahi made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half52-52Kevair Kennedy made Layup.
- 2nd Half52-53Jack Stanton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half52-54Jack Stanton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half55-54Tye Dorset made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Kevair Kennedy.
- 2nd Half55-55Malik Abdullahi made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half55-56Malik Abdullahi made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-56Tye Dorset made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half57-56Tye Dorset made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-56Dylan Veillette made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half59-56Dylan Veillette made Free Throw.
Win probability
Above the line favours Princeton Tigers, below favours Merrimack Warriors.
Venue
- Jadwin GymnasiumPrinceton, NJ
- Attendance1048
- OfficialsJeff Clark, John Cahill Jr., Jason Bradwell
Elsewhere
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
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- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond