NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. - Fresh off a thrilling 82-75 victory over Sacred Heart on January 12 to even the season series, the Fairleigh Dickinson men's basketball team (3-18, 4-10 NEC) hits the road for the first time in 12 days for a Thursday evening tilt with head coach Greg Herenda's alma mater Merrimack (11-15, 7-7 NEC) live on NEC Front Row on February 17 at 7 p.m. in North Andover, Mass. The first meeting of the season between the two sides, originally scheduled for January 8 in Hackensack, was forfeited by the Knights due to COVID-19 protocols. FDU was assigned a loss in the Northeast Conference standings for the contest. 

FDU received a win in the conference standings following Mount St. Mary's COVID-19 related forfeit on December 29 giving the Knights a 1-0 start in NEC play. Following the cancellations against Merrimack (January 6) and Bryant (January 8), FDU was assigned a loss in the NEC standings for each contest. The forfeits do not impact the Knights' overall record.

Game Info 
FDU (3-18, 4-10 NEC) at Merrimack (11-15, 7-7 NEC)
Thursday, February 17, at 7 p.m. -- Hammel Court (North Andover, Mass.) Tickets
In-Game Updates: @FDUKnightsMBB

Media Game Notes
FDU | MC | NEC Weekly Release

All-Time Series
FDU trails 0-4
First Meeting...Merrimack 57, FDU 53 (2OT) (2/6/2020)
Last Meeting...Merrimack 76, FDU 71 (1/22/21)
 
Scouting the Warriors
In four games against FDU, none of have been decided by more than 11 points, including one double-overtime matchup in the first-ever meeting. Despite not being eligible for postseason competition as they transition to full Division I membership, the Warriors have been a force to be reckoned with in the NEC since joining the 10-team league beginning in the 2019-20 academic year. Winning the league regular season title in their inaugural campaign in the NEC, the Warriors have sustained success currently sitting in sole possession of fifth place with an even 7-7 mark in conference games with four to play, including Thursday's tilt with FDU. Among the Merrimack players to watch is without a doubt Jordan Minor who has been a mainstay on the hardwood for sixth-year head coach Joe Gallo. Starting in all 26 games played by the Warriors on the season, Minor is a two-time NEC Co-Player of the Week who leads the Warriors in four categories including points (388), made field goals (156), rebounds (211) and blocks (60). Thursday's meeting in the Bay State also reunites the Blue and Gold with Knights head coach Greg Herenda who played at Merrimack for four years graduating in 1983, Herenda still holds the Warriors' record for most assists in a game (22) and shares the record for the single-season average (9.0).

More on the Warriors

Scouting the Knights
Sitting 2-3 in their last five games, FDU looks to create a streak down the stretch with the Knights riding a 82-75 win over Sacred Heart to close-out the second-to-last home game on Saturday, February 12, inside Stratis Arena. Snapping a three-game skid in Northeast Conference action, FDU was fueled by the Knights' rookies who scored 71 of the team's 82 points. The game was FDU's from the jump with the Knights grabbing the opening lead on a jumper from freshman Oscar Berry. The Melbourne, Australia native and IMG Academy product would finish with a career-best 16 points, one of three in the Burgundy and Blue to reach double-digits. Shooting a team-leading .500 (4-8) from the field, Berry set a new personal-best with his four triples against the Pioneers. Sophomore newcomer Sébastien Lamaute went off for 24 points, three boards, two steals and an assist in just under 32 minutes on the floor for head coach Greg Herenda. Hailing from north of the boarder, Lamaute put on a show, hitting 10-of-17 from the field, finishing with 16 in the plus-minus summary. NEC Rookie of the Week Anquan Hill looked unstoppable, providing three big-time dunks as the Philadelphia, Pa. native hit 21 points, eight rebounds, two steals and a lone assist. Also of note, juniors Devon Dunn and Brandon Rush saw limited minutes in the contest (coach's decision) with each playing just 6:26 on the hardwood in Hackensack. With 11 guys seeing action, all but four were rookies as the only returners who played were Dunn, Joe Munden Jr., Rush and John Square Jr.

Full Sacred Heart Recap

What's Next
FDU's New England road trip continues as the Burgundy and Blue will head to Rhode Island for a Saturday afternoon matchup with Bryant at the Chace Athletic Center in Smithfield, R.I. on February 19. Tip-off on NEC Front Row is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Fans can stay connected with FDU men's basketball on Instagram and Twitter, @FDUKnightsMBB.

The 2021-22 men's basketball season is presented by Bogota Savings Bank.