Merrimack Dominates Sacred Heart in Convincing Win
Friday, March 6, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Merrimack Warriors 70, Sacred Heart Pioneers 48, 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 Sacred Heart Pioneers vs Merrimack Warriors?
Merrimack Warriors beat Sacred Heart Pioneers 70-48 at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on March 6, 2026.
Who was favored in Sacred Heart Pioneers vs Merrimack Warriors?
Merrimack Warriors were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -310 (about 76% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Merrimack Warriors triumphed over the Sacred Heart Pioneers with a final score of 70-48. The game took place at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, showcasing Merrimack's strong performance throughout the contest. This victory highlights the Warriors' impressive home record of 22-10, while the Pioneers finished their season with a record of 14-19.
Merrimack entered the game with a solid recent form, boasting a record of 9-1 over their last ten games and a current winning streak of one. The Warriors averaged 74.1 points scored while allowing just 63.0 points per game during this stretch. Their last five games showed a record of 4-1, with an average of 71.6 points scored and 68.0 points allowed. Notably, Merrimack has been particularly strong at home, maintaining a perfect 5-0 record in their last five home games.
On the other hand, Sacred Heart came into this game with a mixed record of 5-5 in their last ten games, riding a two-game winning streak. The Pioneers averaged 77.4 points scored but also allowed 77.6 points during this span. Their last five games resulted in a record of 3-2, with an average of 77.0 points scored and 73.4 points allowed. However, they struggled on the road, with a 2-4 record in away games.
Historically, Merrimack has had the upper hand in recent meetings between the two teams, holding a 4-1 record against Sacred Heart. Their previous encounters this season included a win for Merrimack on February 1, where they secured a 75-58 victory at home. This trend continued in their latest matchup, further solidifying Merrimack's dominance over Sacred Heart.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details on player availability, but both teams have had their share of challenges throughout the season. The absence of key players can often impact game dynamics, but the report does not specify who was affected in this instance.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Merrimack favored by 6.5 points with a moneyline of -310 for the home team and +250 for the away team. The total points line was set at 143.5, with odds of -105 for the over and -115 for the under. This context reflects the expectations surrounding the game, with Merrimack seen as the stronger contender.
The conditions for the game were typical for a late-season matchup, with both teams looking to solidify their standings. Merrimack's strong home court advantage was evident as they effectively controlled the pace and flow of the game.
As the game unfolded, Merrimack's defense played a crucial role in limiting Sacred Heart's scoring opportunities. The Warriors' ability to restrict their opponents to just 48 points was a testament to their defensive prowess. Key scoring plays from Merrimack included a series of layups and three-pointers that helped them maintain a significant lead throughout the game.
Overall, this matchup showcased Merrimack's capabilities as they look to build momentum heading into the postseason. Their solid performance against Sacred Heart not only reflects their current form but also their ability to perform under pressure, making them a team to watch as the season progresses.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MRMK -6.5 | 143.5 o -105 / u -115 | Sacred Heart Pioneers +250 · Merrimack Warriors -310 |
Leaders
- PointsKevair Kennedy24Merrimack Warriors
- AssistsKevair Kennedy6Merrimack Warriors
- ReboundsErnest Shelton9Merrimack Warriors
- PointsAnquan Hill18Sacred Heart Pioneers
- AssistsMekhi Conner5Sacred Heart Pioneers
- ReboundsAnquan Hill7Sacred Heart Pioneers
Recent form
Merrimack Warriors
Last 10: 9-1Streak W174.1 scored · 63 allowed per game5-0 at home
- 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
- W67-59vs Saint Peter's PeacocksJan 24
Sacred Heart Pioneers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W277.4 scored · 77.6 allowed per game2-4 away
- W91-80at Iona GaelsMar 5
- W77-69vs Mount St. Mary's MountaineersFeb 28
- L63-65at Marist Red FoxesFeb 22
- L68-78at Fairfield StagsFeb 21
- W86-75vs Rider BroncsFeb 15
- W78-71vs Saint Peter's PeacocksFeb 14
- L68-80at Manhattan JaspersFeb 7
- L87-92vs Fairfield StagsFeb 6
- L58-75at Merrimack WarriorsFeb 1
- W98-91at Quinnipiac BobcatsJan 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 | Sacred Heart Pioneers | Merrimack Warriors |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 17-48 | 27-62 |
| Field goal % | 35 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 7-26 | 11-29 |
| Three-point % | 27 | 38 |
| Free throws | 7-8 | 5-7 |
| Free throw % | 88 | 71 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 23 |
| Assists | 16 | 20 |
| Steals | 1 | 8 |
| Blocks | 6 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 4 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 0 | 22 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 15 |
| Points in the paint | 16 | 30 |
| Fouls | 10 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 25 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 4 | 87 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half16-23Kevair Kennedy makes layup (Tye Dorset assists)
- 1st Half16-25KC Ugwuakazi makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 1st Half18-25Yann Farell makes 14-foot turnaround jump shot (Dashon Gittens assists)
- 1st Half18-28Ernest Shelton makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Tye Dorset assists)
- 1st Half21-28Mekhi Conner makes 26-foot three point jumper (Dashon Gittens assists)
- 1st Half22-28Mekhi Conner makes free throw 1 of 1
- 1st Half22-30Kevair Kennedy makes driving layup
- 1st Half22-31Kevair Kennedy makes free throw 1 of 1
- 1st Half22-34Kevair Kennedy makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 1st Half25-34Yann Farell makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot (Anquan Hill assists)
- 1st Half25-37Todd Brogna makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kevair Kennedy assists)
- 1st Half25-39Tye Dorset makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half26-39Anquan Hill makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half27-39Anquan Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half27-41Andrés Marrero makes layup
- 2nd Half27-42Andrés Marrero makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half29-42Anquan Hill makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half29-45Tye Dorset makes 26-foot three point jumper (Andrés Marrero assists)
- 2nd Half29-47Kevair Kennedy makes layup
- 2nd Half31-47Anquan Hill makes 2-foot dunk (Mekhi Conner assists)
- 2nd Half34-47Nyle Ralph-Beyer makes 24-foot three point jumper (Yann Farell assists)
- 2nd Half36-47Nyle Ralph-Beyer makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Yann Farell assists)
- 2nd Half36-50Ernest Shelton makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tye Dorset assists)
- 2nd Half36-53Tye Dorset makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half36-54Ernest Shelton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-55Ernest Shelton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-55Anquan Hill makes layup
- 2nd Half38-57Kevair Kennedy makes driving layup (Andrés Marrero assists)
- 2nd Half38-59Kevair Kennedy makes driving layup (KC Ugwuakazi assists)
- 2nd Half38-61Kevair Kennedy makes driving layup
- 2nd Half38-63Kevair Kennedy makes layup (Andrés Marrero assists)
- 2nd Half40-63Yann Farell makes 16-foot turnaround jump shot (Mekhi Conner assists)
- 2nd Half42-63Anquan Hill makes layup (Mekhi Conner assists)
- 2nd Half43-63Anquan Hill makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half43-66Ernest Shelton makes 25-foot three pointer (Tye Dorset assists)
- 2nd Half44-66Jaden Slaughter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-66Jaden Slaughter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-68Ernest Shelton makes 13-foot pullup jump shot (Tye Dorset assists)
- 2nd Half48-68Anquan Hill makes 23-foot three point jumper (Mekhi Conner assists)
- 2nd Half48-70Brendan Johnson makes driving layup (Jaylen Stinson assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Merrimack Warriors, below favours Sacred Heart Pioneers.
Venue
- Jim Whelan Boardwalk HallAtlantic City, NJ
- Attendance1565
- OfficialsMichael Palau, Tim Smith, Michael Nardone
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