NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Devon Savage scored 18 points and Adam "Budd" Clark added 18 as Merrimack pulled away for an 80-62 win over Niagara in Sunday MAAC hoops action.
 
How it Happened
The Warriors (4-6, 2-0) took control early, building a 40-21 halftime lead behind Savage's hot shooting. The junior guard knocked down six 3-pointers on the afternoon, including five in the opening half as Merrimack shot 59.3 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes.
 
Jhaylon Martinez led Niagara (4-6, 1-1) with 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting, while Zion Russell added 13 points, but the Purple Eagles couldn't overcome a cold-shooting first half where they made just 21.7 percent of their attempts.
 
Clark orchestrated the Warriors' offense with nine assists to go along with his scoring, while Sean Trumper contributed 16 points on efficient 6-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-3 from beyond the arc.
 
Niagara showed more life in the second half, scoring 41 points and shooting 60 percent, but couldn't get closer than 9 points as Merrimack maintained control throughout.
 
The Warriors dominated inside, outscoring Niagara 38-32 in the paint while shooting 54.7 percent for the game compared to Niagara's 41.7 percent.
 
Niagara Notes
• Sunday marked the first-ever meeting between Merrimack and Niagara.
• Niagara matched its season-high with 18 makes at the charity stripe.
• Olumide Adelodun's six assists is the most by a Purple Eagle this season.
• Martinez finished with a season-best 14 points.
 
Up Next
Niagara will take on Saint Francis on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. inside the Gallagher Center.