BOBCATS, WARRIORS MEET IN KEY MAAC CLASH

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. (Interstat) — The Quinnipiac Bobcats and Merrimack Warriors, two teams looking to solidify their standing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, will face off Saturday at Volpe Athletic Center.

Quinnipiac (12-6) enters the contest looking to rebound from a narrow 74-70 home loss to Saint Peter’s on Wednesday. The Bobcats had won three of their previous four games prior to that defeat. Merrimack (10-8) also looks to bounce back after a 76-63 loss at Saint Peter’s on Sunday, which snapped a four-game winning streak.

A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s top performers. Quinnipiac will rely on guard Grant Randall, who is averaging 17.0 points over his last five games. He scored 25 points in a win over Mount Saint Mary’s on Jan. 4 and logged 17 points and three assists in the loss to Saint Peter’s.

Merrimack counters with dynamic guard Kevair Kennedy, who has been a model of durability and production. Kennedy has played 40 minutes in three of his last five outings, averaging 18.6 points, 6.0 assists and 5.2 rebounds during that stretch. He posted a 20-point, 8-rebound, 7-assist performance in a win over Manhattan on Jan. 4.

The Bobcats hold the overall edge in the season series, but both teams have shown the ability to win close conference games. Quinnipiac’s offense, which put up 80 or more points in three of its last six games, will test a Merrimack defense that held opponents under 66 points in three games during its recent win streak.

Saturday’s game is the first of two regular-season meetings between the schools. They are scheduled to meet again in Hamden, Connecticut, on Feb. 15.

Following this game, Quinnipiac will host Manhattan on Monday. Merrimack travels to face Marist on Monday.