POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a grinding Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference clash defined by defensive pressure and offensive inefficiency, the Merrimack Warriors executed their disruptive formula to perfection, handing the Marist Red Foxes a decisive 68-55 defeat on Monday afternoon at McCann Recreation Center.

The Warriors, improving to 12-8 overall, built a methodical lead by capitalizing on Marist mistakes and never relented, holding the Red Foxes to a frigid 32.7% shooting from the field. Marist, which entered the contest with a 12-5 record and as a six-point favorite, saw its offense sputter, managing only two made three-pointers on 16 attempts.

The game’s pivotal stretch came early in the second half, effectively extinguishing any hope of a Marist rally. Leading 29-25 at halftime, Merrimack opened the final period with a decisive 14-5 run over the first six minutes. The surge was fueled by the Warriors’ primary offensive weapons, as Ernest Shelton hit a pull-up jumper and Kevair Kennedy converted a tough layup through contact, completing a three-point play. Andres Marrero capped the run with a three-pointer from the wing, pushing Merrimack’s advantage to 43-30 and forcing a Marist timeout.

That margin proved insurmountable for the cold-shooting Red Foxes. Marist never cut the deficit below nine points the rest of the way, as Merrimack’s defense consistently generated empty possessions. The Warriors scored 21 points off 13 Marist turnovers, compared to just nine points off turnovers for the home team.

Kennedy, a guard from Philadelphia, led all scorers with 20 points, frequently attacking the basket and earning nine free throw attempts, making eight. His backcourt partner, Shelton, added 18 points, playing all but a few seconds of the 40-minute contest. Tye Dorset provided crucial secondary scoring with 17 points for the Warriors.

Marist was led by Rhyjon Blackwell’s 13 points and Jason Schofield’s 15-point effort off the bench. Schofield, a local product from Poughkeepsie, was a rare bright spot in the post but was limited by foul trouble. The Red Foxes’ backcourt of Elijah Lewis and Jadin Collins-Roberts combined to shoot 2-for-15 from the field.

The statistical story underscored Merrimack’s control. Despite being outrebounded 36-30 overall and allowing 10 offensive boards, the Warriors compensated with superior shot-making and ball security. Merrimack shot 47.7% from the floor and connected on 22 of 27 free throws. Marist, while efficient at the line (19-for-22), could not overcome its struggles from anywhere else on the court, posting an offensive rating of just 84.0 points per 100 possessions.

The Warriors also won the hustle categories, recording seven steals and scoring six fast-break points to Marist’s two, highlighting their ability to convert defense into opportunistic offense.

The loss was a setback for a Marist team that had won four of its last five, including an 82-67 victory over Fairfield on Saturday. Merrimack, meanwhile, continued its pattern of confounding opponents with its deliberate pace and physical defense, bouncing back from a road loss at Saint Peter’s on Jan. 11 with a second consecutive win.

An announced crowd of 1,542 watched as the Warriors systematically dismantled the pregame projections, which favored Marist with a 61.9% probability to win. The combined point total of 123 fell well under the over/under line of 134.5, a testament to the defensive nature of the contest.

Merrimack looks to continue its momentum on the road at Iona on Thursday. Marist will aim to regroup quickly, traveling to face Siena, also on Thursday. The two teams are scheduled for a rematch in North Andover, Massachusetts, on Feb. 12.