NIAGARA, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Merrimack Warriors defeated the Niagara Purple Eagles 73-66 in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Sunday at Gallagher Center.

Merrimack improved to 21-10 overall behind 18 points from Ernest Shelton and 16 from Kevair Kennedy, who added seven assists. Niagara’s Justin Hawkins led all scorers with 18 points. The Warriors led 30-28 at halftime and maintained their advantage despite Niagara shooting 89.5% from the free-throw line. Merrimack shot 47.2% from the field and hit 11 three-pointers.

Niagara fell to 8-22. An announced crowd of 890 attended the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game.