NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. (Interstat) — Merrimack used a decisive advantage at the free-throw line and a strong defensive effort to defeat Mount Saint Mary’s 75-65 in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Friday at Volpe Athletic Center.

The Warriors, who led 29-27 at halftime, shot 31 for 40 on free throws while the Mountaineers attempted just 28, making 19. Merrimack also blocked nine shots and recorded eight steals.

Ernest Shelton led Merrimack with 22 points. Trey Deveaux scored a game-high 23 points for Mount Saint Mary’s. The Warriors improved to 8-7, while the Mountaineers fell to 5-10. Attendance was 1,542.