Merrimack Warriors Edge Rider Broncs in Close Contest
Thursday, December 4, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Hammel Court
Merrimack Warriors 68, Rider Broncs 66, 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 Rider Broncs vs Merrimack Warriors?
Merrimack Warriors beat Rider Broncs 68-66 at Hammel Court on December 4, 2025.
Who was favored in Rider Broncs vs Merrimack Warriors?
Merrimack Warriors were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -470 (about 82% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Merrimack Warriors secured a narrow victory over the Rider Broncs, finishing with a score of 68 to 66. The game, held at Hammel Court, showcased the Warriors' resilience as they managed to hold off a late surge from the Broncs, who were seeking to break a three-game losing streak.
Both teams entered the game with struggling records, but Merrimack's home advantage proved crucial. The Warriors had a home record of 1-2 this season, while the Broncs were winless in five away games, highlighting the challenges faced by Rider on the road. Merrimack's recent form showed a record of 3-7 over their last ten games, with an average of 63.7 points scored and 74.2 points allowed. In contrast, Rider's form was slightly better at 4-6, but they had averaged 66.4 points scored and allowed 76.0 points during the same stretch. This disparity in scoring averages indicated potential vulnerabilities for both teams, particularly in defensive play.
The matchup was notable not just for the current standings but also for its history, as the teams had previously met twice in the same season, splitting the series with each team winning once. Merrimack had won the earlier encounter 66-64, while Rider took the later game 83-78, suggesting a competitive rivalry.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant absences for either team, which meant both squads were able to field their key players. This was particularly important for Merrimack, who relied on their top scorers to maintain their offensive output against Rider's defense.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Merrimack favored with a spread of -9.5 and a money line of -470, indicating strong confidence in their ability to win the game. The total points line was set at 138.5, suggesting expectations of a moderately high-scoring affair. However, the final score reflected a closely fought battle, with both teams scoring below the total line, emphasizing the defensive efforts on display.
The game conditions were typical for a December evening, with both teams adjusting to the indoor environment of Hammel Court. Fans witnessed a thrilling second half, where the lead changed multiple times. Key moments included a critical three-point jumper by Andrés Marrero, which helped Merrimack extend their lead to 68-60 late in the game. Rider fought back, with Flash Burton hitting a three-pointer that brought the Broncs within two points, but time ran out before they could complete the comeback.
Viewers should have noted the strategic plays executed by both teams, particularly Merrimack's ability to respond under pressure and Rider's attempts to capitalize on their scoring opportunities. The Warriors’ victory not only adds to their confidence but also highlights their potential to improve as the season progresses, while Rider will need to regroup and address their away game struggles moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MRMK -9.5 | 138.5 o -115 / u -105 | Rider Broncs +360 · Merrimack Warriors -470 |
Leaders
- PointsAndrés Marrero23Merrimack Warriors
- AssistsTodd Brogna7Merrimack Warriors
- ReboundsTye Dorset4Merrimack Warriors
- PointsCole McCabe12Rider Broncs
- AssistsFlash Burton3Rider Broncs
- ReboundsShemani Fuller12Rider Broncs
Recent form
Merrimack Warriors
Last 10: 3-7Streak W163.7 scored · 74.2 allowed per game1-2 at home
- 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
- L66-75vs South Dakota State JackrabbitsNov 4
- L55-57vs Mount St. Mary's MountaineersMar 15
Rider Broncs
Last 10: 4-6Streak L366.4 scored · 76 allowed per game0-5 away
- L65-68vs Coppin State EaglesNov 26
- L45-91at Houston CougarsNov 21
- L65-99at Texas LonghornsNov 19
- W86-54vs Eastern EaglesNov 16
- L53-81at Rutgers Scarlet KnightsNov 5
- L53-87at Virginia CavaliersNov 4
- L64-78at Quinnipiac BobcatsMar 12
- W78-76vs Siena SaintsMar 11
- W77-76vs Niagara Purple EaglesMar 8
- W78-50vs Canisius Golden GriffinsMar 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 |
Box score
| Stat | Rider Broncs | Merrimack Warriors |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-54 | 25-54 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 4-12 | 11-29 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 38 |
| Free throws | 10-16 | 7-11 |
| Free throw % | 63 | 64 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 19 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 14 |
| Assists | 9 | 13 |
| Steals | 4 | 8 |
| Blocks | 3 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 23 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 24 |
| Fouls | 14 | 8 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 27 | 63 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half25-30Kevair Kennedy made Free Throw.
- 1st Half26-30Cole McCabe made Free Throw.
- 1st Half27-30Cole McCabe made Free Throw.
- 1st Half29-30Flash Burton made Jumper.
- 1st Half30-30Shemani Fuller made Free Throw.
- 1st Half31-30Caleb Smith made Free Throw.
- 1st Half31-33Andrés Marrero made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Todd Brogna.
- 1st Half33-33Cole McCabe made Jumper. Assisted by Flash Burton.
- 1st Half33-35Andrés Marrero made Jumper.
- 1st Half33-36Kevair Kennedy made Free Throw.
- 1st Half33-37Kevair Kennedy made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half35-37Cole McCabe made Jumper.
- 2nd Half35-40Andrés Marrero made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Kevair Kennedy.
- 2nd Half35-42Andrés Marrero made Layup. Assisted by Tye Dorset.
- 2nd Half35-43Andrés Marrero made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half37-43Flash Burton made Jumper.
- 2nd Half39-43Shemani Fuller made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half39-45Kevair Kennedy made Layup.
- 2nd Half41-45Cole McCabe made Layup. Assisted by Shemani Fuller.
- 2nd Half43-45Shemani Fuller made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half43-47Andrés Marrero made Layup.
- 2nd Half43-49Andrés Marrero made Jumper.
- 2nd Half45-49Mohamad Diallo made Layup.
- 2nd Half47-49Zion Cruz made Jumper. Assisted by Mohamad Diallo.
- 2nd Half49-49Caleb Smith made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half49-51Tye Dorset made Jumper.
- 2nd Half51-51Antwan Wilson made Layup.
- 2nd Half51-54Ernest Shelton made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Todd Brogna.
- 2nd Half53-54Flash Burton made Layup.
- 2nd Half55-54Mohamad Diallo made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half55-57Tye Dorset made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Todd Brogna.
- 2nd Half58-57Antwan Wilson made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Flash Burton.
- 2nd Half58-59Todd Brogna made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half59-59Cole McCabe made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half60-59Cole McCabe made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half60-62Andrés Marrero made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Todd Brogna.
- 2nd Half60-65Tye Dorset made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half60-68Andrés Marrero made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Todd Brogna.
- 2nd Half63-68Kristupas Kepežinskas made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Caleb Smith.
- 2nd Half66-68Flash Burton made Three Point Jumper.
Win probability
Above the line favours Merrimack Warriors, below favours Rider Broncs.
Venue
- Hammel CourtNorth Andover, MA
- Attendance1876
- OfficialsEvon Burroughs, Nathan Hall, Josean Vega
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