Bryant, Merrimack set for home-and-home

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University men's basketball team returns to the court this weekend for a home-and-home series with league-leading Merrimack.  

The two teams will meet Saturday in Smithfield (4:00 p.m.) and Sunday in North Andover (4:00 p.m.). Both games will be streamed on NECFrontRow.com.  

The Particulars
Opponent: Merrimack
Location: Chace Athletic Center | Hammel Court
Date and Time: Saturday, Feb. 20 – 4 p.m. | Sunday, Feb. 21 - 4 p.m. 
Watch: Saturday | Sunday
Live Stats: Saturday | Sunday
Game Notes: Bryant
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #KEB1 | #NECMBB

THE SERIES
Bryant and Merrimack have met 54 times on the hardwood, first as Division II rivals and now has Northeast Conference counterparts. The two teams split their first DI meetings a season ago, while the Warriors own a 34-20 lead in the all-time series.     

SCOUTING THE WARRIORS
Merrimack enters the weekend tied for first place in the NEC standings at 8-4. The Warriors, who are in their second year of transition to the Division I level, are not eligible for the NEC postseason. Merrimack won the 2020 NEC Regular-Season title and has continued to play well this year, stifling opponents on defense. The Warriors are allowing just 64.6 ppg.   

WHAT TO KNOW

• Bryant enters the weekend at 10-5 overall and 6-4 in the NEC. The Bulldogs are currently third in the NEC standings behind Merrimack and Wagner, who are both 8-4. 
• The Black and Gold are playing their first games since Jan. 31 due to a COVID-19 pause.
• Bryant returns from pause ranked second nationally in scoring at 88.1 ppg and second in tempo (76.1 kenpom). 
• Head coach Jared Grasso is in his third season on the Bryant sidelines, having posted a 35-42 record.
• Peter Kiss leads the Bulldogs in scoring at 17.7 per game and leads all NEC scorers with 19.1 ppg in league games. Kiss has scored 20+ points on nine occasions, including 6-of-10 NEC games. 
• Michael Green III ranks sixth in the NEC in scoring, fifth in assists and eighth in free throw percentage. 
• Charles Pride leads the Black and Gold with a pair of double-doubles, ranking 11th in the NEC in rebounds and 14th in assists. 
• Chris Childs is one of the nation's top three-point shooters, ranking eighth nationally in 3FG per game. He's made 5+ 3s in game four times.
• Hall Elisias ranks seventh nationally in blocks per game (2.9) and leads the NEC in field goal percentage (.642).  

Follow Bryant University men's basketball on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get an inside look at the program.