Men’s Basketball: BU takes on Merrimack in a Weekend Clash

By Kaan Oguz

The Boston University Terriers Men’s Basketball team (2–1, 0–0 PL) is set to host the Merrimack College Warriors (0–3, 0–0 NEC) in their second home game of the season at the Case Gymnasium. BU enters the matchup coming off a strong 90–77 win over Brown, while Merrimack arrives in Boston still searching for its first victory after navigating one of the toughest opening records in the region.

The Terriers opened their season with a dramatic overtime win on the road at Northeastern four days before falling to Big Ten opponent Northwestern. The Terriers responded convincingly in their home opener, erupting for 90 points behind a balanced, high-efficiency offensive performance. Through three games, BU has looked comfortable at home once again, continuing a trend that stretches across recent seasons as Case Gymnasium which has become one of the more difficult environments for visiting teams.

Merrimack, meanwhile, has faced a brutal start to the year, beginning the season with three straight road losses. The Warriors fell 66–75 to South Dakota State, then traveled to face No. 20 Auburn and lost 57–95, before dropping a 62–76 contest at Tarleton State. Despite the results, Merrimack has shown flashes, particularly through the play of their top scorers, but persistent offensive struggles and turnovers have kept them from finding late-game stability.

The series history between the two programs heavily favors Boston University, as the Terriers hold a 10–1 all-time advantage over Merrimack. BU is a perfect 7–0 at home in the matchup; the only Merrimack victory in the rivalry came last season, a narrow 64–61 decision on December 13, 2024, in North Andover. Before that loss, the Terriers had won ten straight meetings, including recent victories in 2023–24 (74–63 at home), 2022–23 (68–54 away), and 2021–22 (61–60 at home). Saturday’s matchup marks BU’s first chance to avenge that defeat.

Early on, the Terriers have been led by freshman forward Sam Hughes, who is averaging 15.7 points per game while ranking 6th among both the Patriot League leaders in scoring and three-point shooting. Junior guard Michael McNair has also been a steady offensive presence at 14.7 points per game, including a standout 20-point performance at Northwestern. Sophomore forward Ben Defty rounds out BU’s trio of double-figure scorers, averaging 12.3 points and providing strong interior minutes and efficient finishing around the rim.

For Merrimack, junior guard Ernest Shelton has emerged as the primary offensive option, averaging 19.3 points per game across the opening stretch while carrying the Warriors with multiple 20-point efforts. Sophomore guard Tye Dorset and freshman guard Kevair Kennedy provide additional scoring threats, though the Warriors as a whole have struggled shooting the ball, hitting approximately 30% from the field in their last two games. Merrimack’s ability to generate turnovers will be tested against a BU squad that has protected the ball well through three contests.

The Terriers look to continue defending Case Gym and extend their unbeaten home start as they welcome Merrimack for the first of two home games this upcoming week. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.