Merrimack Warriors Face Rider Broncs in Crucial MAAC Showdown

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. — The Merrimack Warriors (11-10, 8-2 MAAC) will take on the Rider Broncs (8-13, 4-6 MAAC) in a pivotal Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference matchup on Sunday at 4 p.m. EST at Rider University.

The Warriors, led by standout guard Adam Clark, enter the game with momentum, having won six of their last 10 games. Clark averages 19.1 points, 5.9 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, making him a key player for Merrimack. Meanwhile, the Broncs, anchored by TJ Weeks Jr., who averages 13.3 points, have struggled at home with a 2-5 record this season.

Rider allows an average of 72.0 points per game, while Merrimack scores 64.2 points per game. The Warriors’ defense has been a strength, holding opponents to 62.4 points over their last 10 games. However, Rider’s ability to limit 3-point shooting could be a factor, as they average 5.1 made 3-pointers per game, slightly below the 6.5 that Merrimack typically allows.

This will be the first meeting between the two teams in conference play this season. The Warriors are looking to solidify their position in the MAAC standings, while the Broncs aim to climb out of the lower half of the league.

In their last 10 games, Rider has gone 4-6, averaging 67.1 points per game, while Merrimack has posted a 6-4 record, scoring 65.9 points per game. The Warriors’ recent form, combined with their defensive prowess, makes them slight favorites heading into the contest.

Top performers for Rider include Jay Alvarez, who has averaged 13.8 points over the last 10 games. For Merrimack, Matt Becht has been consistent, averaging 12.9 points during the same stretch.

The game promises to be a tightly contested battle, with both teams vying for crucial conference wins as the season progresses.