Preview: Merrimack Warriors at Mount Saint Mary’s Mountaineers EMMITSBURG, Md. (Interstat) — The Merrimack Warriors look to continue their push in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play when they visit the Mount Saint Mary’s Mountaineers at Knott Arena on Thursday. Merrimack (14-9) enters with momentum, having won five of its last six games, including a 75-58 victory over Sacred Heart on Sunday. The Warriors previously defeated Mount Saint Mary’s 75-65 at home on Jan. 2. The Mountaineers (10-14) have been inconsistent, alternating wins and losses over their past six contests. They are coming off a 72-65 home win against Manhattan on Sunday. A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s top guards. Merrimack’s Kevair Kennedy has been a dominant force, averaging 19.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists over his last eight games. He scored 21 points with seven rebounds and five assists in the win over Sacred Heart. Mount Saint Mary’s will counter with Arlandus Keyes, who is averaging 12.9 points per game this season. He posted 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks against Manhattan. His season high of 22 points came in a win at Canisius on Jan. 17. For Merrimack, balance has been crucial. In the Jan. 2 meeting, Tye Dorset supported Kennedy with 16 points. Todd Brogna leads the team in rebounding, pulling down eight boards in the recent win over Sacred Heart. The Mountaineers rely on distribution from Xavier Lipscomb, who dished out nine assists against Manhattan, and interior presence from Abdou Khadre Kébé, who added 10 points and seven rebounds in that game. Knott Arena has provided a slight edge for the Mountaineers in conference play, but the Warriors’ current form and prior head-to-head victory make them a slight favorite. The outcome will hinge on whether Mount Saint Mary’s can contain Kennedy’s all-around production and find consistent scoring beyond Keyes. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. Merrimack visits Rider on Saturday, while Mount Saint Mary’s travels to face Iona.