BURLINGTON, Vt. (Interstat) — In a grinding, defensive contest defined by missed shots and crucial free throws, the Vermont Catamounts used a decisive advantage at the foul line to hold off a second-half surge from the Merrimack Warriors and secure a 66-59 victory in non-conference men’s basketball action Sunday at a packed Roy L. Patrick Gymnasium.

The game, played before 2,013 fans, was a stark contrast in efficiency. While both teams struggled from the field — Vermont shot 42% and Merrimack just 39.2% — the Catamounts consistently generated and capitalized on opportunities from the charity stripe. Vermont attempted 24 free throws, making 20, while Merrimack went 13 for 16. That seven-point margin proved to be the ultimate difference on a day where baskets were at a premium.

Vermont improved to 7-5 overall, while Merrimack fell to 6-7.

The first half set the tone for a physical, low-possession game. Vermont’s interior presence, led by Noah Barnett and Gus Yalden, established an early edge. Barnett, a 6-foot-9 forward from Poughkeepsie, New York, scored 10 of his 16 points before halftime, while Yalden, a 6-9, 258-pound force from Appleton, Wisconsin, provided energy with put-backs and defense. The Catamounts built their lead by forcing nine first-half turnovers from Merrimack and converting them into a 30-21 advantage at the break.

Merrimack, which entered the game riding a three-game winning streak including a notable road victory at Princeton, refused to fade. The Warriors emerged from halftime with renewed aggression, spearheaded by the dynamic play of guard Kevair Kennedy. The Philadelphia native, who finished with a game-high 20 points and seven assists, attacked the lane relentlessly. His playmaking ignited a 14-6 run to open the second period, pulling Merrimack within a single point at 36-35 with just over 17 minutes remaining.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded over the next several minutes, as Vermont withstood Merrimack’s charge and methodically rebuilt its cushion. With the Warriors’ defense keying on Kennedy, the Catamounts executed in the half-court. Sean Blake of Mississauga, Canada, was instrumental, scoring 14 points and dishing out five assists, often finding Barnett or TJ Long for critical baskets. Long, who scored 13 points, hit a difficult turnaround jumper with 2:08 remaining to push Vermont’s lead to 58-52, a seemingly insurmountable margin given the game’s pace.

Merrimack’s offense, which mustered an offensive rating of 100.7 on 59 possessions, went cold at the worst time. After Kennedy’s layup cut the deficit to 58-56 with 1:27 left, the Warriors missed their final three field goal attempts. Vermont, meanwhile, sealed the game at the line. Long was fouled on a drive and sank both free throws with 13 seconds left, extending the lead to 65-59. After a Merrimack miss, he was fouled again and made one of two to provide the final margin.

Beyond Kennedy’s efforts, Merrimack received 12 points from Tye Dorset and 11 from Ernest Shelton. KC Ugwuakazi of Boston provided a strong interior presence with nine points, eight rebounds and three blocks. For Vermont, Yalden finished with 10 points and seven rebounds, complementing the work of Barnett and Blake.

The game’s statistical profile highlighted the defensive struggle. The teams combined to shoot just 10 for 44 from 3-point range and totaled only nine assists. Vermont’s ability to protect the ball, committing only five turnovers against Merrimack’s nine, and its superior free-throw rate were the foundational elements of the victory.

Vermont, which was a 5.5-point pregame favorite according to sportsbooks, next hosts Siena on Wednesday. Merrimack, which saw its winning streak snapped, does not play again until a road game at Sacred Heart on Dec. 29.