Peacocks Seek First Home Conference Win Vs. Merrimack

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The Saint Peter's men's basketball team is back at Run Baby Run Arena to play Merrimack on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. ET as the Peacocks are seeking their first home conference win of the season.

The Peacocks are coming off a road victory at Sacred Heart where they overcame early foul trouble to take down the Pioneers, 66-61. The win marked Saint Peter's second in the conference as they now sit tied for 10th place. Ahead of the Peacocks are five teams tied for fifth so an SPU win on Thursday can shake up the standings.

Saint Peter's is still leading the MAAC in defensive scoring, allowing just 64.1 points per game, which ranks 22nd in the nation. The Peacocks' mantra "ToughnessAintEnough" is showing as Bashir Mason's squad has been playing with more toughness and physicality over the past few games.

Despite falling to Marist at home last week, Saint Peter's held the Pioneers to just 56 points, their third-lowest total all season. However, it will be the Peacocks' offense being tested on Thursday night with Merrimack's defense holding its opponents to 66.7 points per game.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS
The Warriors are 9-9 overall and 6-1 in conference play, tied with Marist for second place in the MAAC. They are led by sophomore guard Adam "Budd" Clark who is averaging 19.6 points per game which ranks second in the conference. He also leads the conference in assists per game with 5.7. 

Merrimack averages the least amount of turnovers in the MAAC, committing just 9.7 turnovers per game. While they boast a 5-1 record at home this year, the Warriors have struggled on the road, going 4-7. 

Merrimack is led by head coach Joe Gallo who is in his ninth season as the coach of the Warriors.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Marcus Randolph has scored double-digit points in the last four games, and is averaging 14.6 points per game this season. On the other side, Adam Clark has scored in double figures in all but one game he's played in. 

The Saint Peter's and Merrimack defenses both rank inside top three in the MAAC in scoring per game.

The Peacocks average 37.3 rebounds per game compared to Merrimack's 28.0. Saint Peter's almost doubles Merrimack's offensive rebound average 13.1-to-6.6.