Men's Basketball Falls at Merrimack on Thursday

The Central Connecticut men's basketball team fell at Merrimack, 69-58, on Thursday night at Hammel Court. With the win, Merrimack clinched the Northeast Conference regular-season title. The Blue Devils slip to 4-26 overall and 3-14 in the NEC, while Merrimack finishes its regular season at 20-11 overall and 14-4 in the NEC. 

Freshman Myles Baker had 12 points and classmate Greg Outlaw scored 10 for CCSU. Central was 16-of-48 (.333) from the field and just 2-of-10 (.200) on three-pointers. CCSU was 24-of-33 (.727) at the foul line.

Juvaris Hayes led all scorers with 19 points. Merrimack had four in double-figures and shot 24-of-58 (.414) from the field and 9-of-28 (.321) from the arc, while going 12-of-20 (.600 at the foul line.

Central closes out the 2019-20 season at home against St. Francis Brooklyn on Saturday, Feb. 29. Tip off is slated for 1:00 p.m.

GAME INFORMATION

Score: Central Connecticut 58, Merrimack 69
Records: CCSU (4-26, 3-14 NEC), MC (20-11, 14-4 NEC)
Location: Hammel Court | North Andover, MA

KEY MOMENTS

• Central scored six straight to tie the game 20-20 midway through the first half. Senior Jamir Coleman hit back-to-back shots to tie it at the 9:48 mark. After going scoreless for almost four minutes, Merrimack would respond with seven straight points. 
• The Blue Devils were held scoreless over the final 2:12 of the opening half. The Warriors scored the final five points of the period and a three-pointer by Jaleel Lord just before the horn made it 40-30 at halftime.
• Merrimack scored the first four points and held CCSU to one field goal in the opening three minutes of the second half. A three-pointer by Devin Jensen gave the Warriors their largest lead of the game at 47-33 16:18 to play.
• CCSU would go just 1-of-5 from the field and was outscored, 7-1, by Merrimack as the Warriors opened a 59-41 lead following a three-pointer by Jensen. 
• Central would be limited to a 1-of-12 shooting stretch and was unable to get closer than the final margin.

NUMBER TO KNOW

17 - The Blue Devils outrebounded the Warriors, 46-29.

NOTES

• The teams are meeting for the second time this season. The Blue Devils lead the all-time series, 13-6, but Merrimack won both meetings this year.
• Central held a 46-29 margin in rebounding, led by freshman Jamir Reed grabbing nine rebounds.
• The Warriors are going through the NCAA reclassification process to Division I and are not eligible to play in the NEC tournament or NCAA sponsored postseason tournaments. Merrimack is eligible to win the NEC Regular Season Championship and can compete in postseason tournaments such as the College Basketball Invitational and the College Inisider Tournament.
• CCSU had a 32-14 advantage in bench scoring and in the last 9 games, CCSU has outscored its opponents 322-158. Central entered the game with 26.8 ppg from its bench this season.
• Central attempted a season-high in free throws and was 24-of-33 (.747) at the line.
• All 11 Blue Devils who played in the game managed to score.

UP NEXT
Central closes out the 2019-20 season at home against St. Francis Brooklyn on Saturday, Feb. 29. Tip off is slated for 1:00 p.m.