NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — Adam "Budd" Clark scored 32 points and Merrimack rallied in the second half to defeat Niagara 64-59 on Thursday night at Lawler Arena.
 
How it Happened
Niagara (8-14, 3-8 MAAC) held a 30-24 advantage at halftime and led by as many as nine points in the second half, but couldn't hold off the Warriors late surge as they outscored the Purple Eagles 40-29 after the break.
 
Jhaylon Martinez led Niagara with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Josiah Davis added 11 points. Justice Smith contributed six points, six rebounds and five assists off the bench for the Purple Eagles.
 
Clark shot 13-of-29 from the field for Merrimack (13-10, 10-2 NEC) and sealed the game with a driving layup with a minute left and two free throws in the final seconds. Sean Trumper added 13 points for the Warriors.
 
Niagara controlled much of the game, leading for over 31 minutes before Merrimack took control late. The Purple Eagles shot 38.9 percent from the field and held a 44-31 rebounding advantage but committed 17 turnovers that led to 15 Merrimack points.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara moves to 0-2 all-time against Merrimack.
• The Purple and White are now 1-10 on the road this season.
• Thursday marked the 10th game this season to be decided by five points or fewer for NU, with the Purple Eagles moving to 4-6 in those contests.
• Martinez recorded his eighth double-digit scoring effort of the season and sixth in MAAC play.
• Davis finished with double figure point for the third time in the last four games.
• Justice Smith finished the game with a season-high five assists.
• Adelodun recorded nine rebounds, leading the team in rebounding for the 10th time this season.
 
Up Next
Niagara will travel to Hamden, Conn., to take on MAAC preseason favorite Quinnipiac on Saturday at 2 p.m.