Merrimack Warriors Edge Siena Saints in Close Contest
Friday, January 9, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · MVP Arena
Merrimack Warriors 63, Siena Saints 59, 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 Siena Saints?
Merrimack Warriors beat Siena Saints 63-59 at MVP Arena on January 9, 2026.
Who was favored in Merrimack Warriors vs Siena Saints?
Siena Saints were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -245 (about 71% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup at MVP Arena, the Merrimack Warriors defeated the Siena Saints with a final score of 63-59. This victory marks a significant moment for Merrimack, as they have now taken the lead in their head-to-head record against Siena, improving to 1-0 in their all-time meetings. The Saints had previously faced Merrimack on January 18, 2025, where they lost 58-64.
Both teams entered the game with similar records, with Siena holding a home record of 10-6 and Merrimack at 10-7 overall. In their last ten games, both teams have shown resilience, boasting a 7-3 record. However, their recent forms diverged slightly. Siena comes off a win against Rider Broncs, showcasing an average of 69.8 points scored and 65.7 points allowed over their last ten games. In contrast, Merrimack has been on a three-game winning streak, averaging 67.7 points scored and 66.9 points allowed.
At home, Siena has been strong, maintaining a record of 3-0 in their last three home games. Meanwhile, Merrimack has performed well on the road, holding a 3-3 record in away games. This fixture was particularly interesting given the contrasting home and away performances of both teams. The Saints, despite their home advantage, faced the challenge of overcoming the Warriors, who were riding a wave of momentum from their recent victories.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player absences, but injuries can often play a crucial role in the outcome of such closely matched games. The absence of key players could have influenced the strategies employed by both teams.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Siena favored to win by 5.5 points, with a total points line set at 132.5. The odds reflected the expectations of a competitive game, with Siena's money line at -245. Merrimack, on the other hand, was positioned at +200 on the money line, indicating that they were seen as the underdogs going into the matchup.
The game conditions were typical for a winter basketball contest, with both teams needing to adapt to the indoor environment of MVP Arena. Fans were treated to a display of skill and strategy, with key moments defining the outcome. Notably, in the second half, KC Ugwuakazi's dunk, assisted by Tye Dorset, pushed Merrimack's lead to 60-51, a pivotal moment that shifted the momentum.
As the game progressed, Justice Shoats and Antonio Chandler contributed crucial points for Siena, bringing the score to 60-55. However, Merrimack maintained their composure, with Gavin Doty hitting a significant three-pointer, further extending their lead to 60-58. The Warriors' ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities in the closing moments, particularly by Ernest Shelton, solidified their victory.
Overall, this matchup not only highlighted the competitive nature of the NCAAB landscape but also showcased the resilience of both teams. Merrimack's ability to secure a win on the road against a strong Siena squad speaks volumes about their current form and potential moving forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SIE -5.5 | 132.5 o -115 / u -105 | Merrimack Warriors +200 · Siena Saints -245 |
Leaders
- PointsFrancis Folefac22Siena Saints
- AssistsFrancis Folefac4Siena Saints
- ReboundsFrancis Folefac10Siena Saints
- PointsErnest Shelton17Merrimack Warriors
- AssistsKevair Kennedy6Merrimack Warriors
- ReboundsKC Ugwuakazi8Merrimack Warriors
Recent form
Siena Saints
Last 10: 7-3Streak W169.8 scored · 65.7 allowed per game3-0 at home
- W74-65at Rider BroncsJan 4
- L72-75at Iona GaelsJan 3
- L60-81at Indiana HoosiersDec 22
- L69-83at Vermont CatamountsDec 18
- W74-52vs Canisius Golden GriffinsDec 7
- W83-54vs Niagara Purple EaglesDec 6
- W64-60at Maine Black BearsNov 30
- W59-55at American University EaglesNov 29
- W70-63vs Longwood LancersNov 28
- W73-69at Holy Cross CrusadersNov 24
Merrimack Warriors
Last 10: 7-3Streak W367.7 scored · 66.9 allowed per game3-3 away
- W73-66vs Manhattan JaspersJan 4
- W75-65vs Mount St. Mary's MountaineersJan 2
- W80-72at Sacred Heart PioneersDec 29
- L59-66at Vermont CatamountsDec 14
- W59-56at Princeton TigersDec 10
- 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
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 | Siena Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-51 | 24-58 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 9-20 | 4-16 |
| Three-point % | 45 | 25 |
| Free throws | 10-13 | 7-9 |
| Free throw % | 77 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 25 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 18 |
| Defensive rebounds | 15 | 21 |
| Assists | 14 | 9 |
| Steals | 10 | 2 |
| Blocks | 4 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 6 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 0 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 34 |
| Fouls | 16 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 19 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 94 | 3 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half29-16Francis Folefac makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half29-18Antonio Chandler makes layup (Francis Folefac assists)
- 1st Half31-18Tye Dorset makes driving layup (Kevair Kennedy assists)
- 1st Half31-20Antonio Chandler makes 2-foot dunk (Francis Folefac assists)
- 1st Half34-20Todd Brogna makes 22-foot three point jumper (Kevair Kennedy assists)
- 1st Half34-22Francis Folefac makes layup
- 1st Half36-22Kevair Kennedy makes layup
- 1st Half38-22Kevair Kennedy makes 16-foot jumper (Ernest Shelton assists)
- 2nd Half38-24Antonio Chandler makes layup
- 2nd Half39-24Tye Dorset makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-24Tye Dorset makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-27Brendan Coyle makes 24-foot three point jumper (Francis Folefac assists)
- 2nd Half40-29Francis Folefac makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half43-29Andrés Marrero makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tye Dorset assists)
- 2nd Half43-31Gavin Doty makes 7-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half43-34Gavin Doty makes 22-foot three point jumper (Francis Folefac assists)
- 2nd Half45-34KC Ugwuakazi makes layup
- 2nd Half45-36Justice Shoats makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half45-38Gavin Doty makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-38Ernest Shelton makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tye Dorset assists)
- 2nd Half48-41Gavin Doty makes 23-foot three point jumper (Brendan Coyle assists)
- 2nd Half51-41Ernest Shelton makes 22-foot three point jumper (Andrés Marrero assists)
- 2nd Half51-43Francis Folefac makes layup
- 2nd Half53-43KC Ugwuakazi makes layup (Tye Dorset assists)
- 2nd Half53-45Justice Shoats makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half55-45Kevair Kennedy makes driving layup (Tye Dorset assists)
- 2nd Half57-45Kevair Kennedy makes layup
- 2nd Half57-47Justice Shoats makes 4-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half57-48Francis Folefac makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-49Francis Folefac makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-51Francis Folefac makes layup
- 2nd Half58-51Ernest Shelton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-51KC Ugwuakazi makes 2-foot dunk (Tye Dorset assists)
- 2nd Half60-53Justice Shoats makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half60-55Antonio Chandler makes layup
- 2nd Half60-58Gavin Doty makes 24-foot three point jumper (Justice Shoats assists)
- 2nd Half61-58Kevair Kennedy makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-59Gavin Doty makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half62-59Ernest Shelton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-59Ernest Shelton makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Siena Saints, below favours Merrimack Warriors.
Venue
- MVP ArenaAlbany, NY
- Attendance4833
- OfficialsMatt Potter
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