NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. (Interstat) — A tightly contested Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference race will see another chapter written Sunday when the Merrimack Warriors host the Iona Gaels at Volpe Athletic Center. The matchup features two teams heading in opposite directions entering the final stretch of the regular season. The Warriors (18-9 overall) have won five consecutive games, last falling in a narrow 61-60 defeat at Iona on Jan. 22. Meanwhile, the Gaels (16-12) have struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses in their last six outings, including a 72-64 overtime victory over Saint Peter’s on Friday. Merrimack’s surge has been fueled by guard Kevair Kennedy, who is averaging 20.4 points and 5.8 assists during the winning streak. He posted 24 points, seven rebounds and three assists in a 56-49 road win at Quinnipiac on Feb. 15. His duel with Iona’s CJ Anthony will be pivotal. Anthony is coming off an 18-point performance in the overtime win against Saint Peter’s and has scored in double figures in seven straight games. The Warriors’ defense, which held Quinnipiac to 49 points and Rider to 47 during their streak, will be tested by an Iona offense that saw three players score 14 or more points in Friday’s win. Beyond Anthony, Kosy Akametu and Lamin Sabally each contributed 18 and 14 points, respectively, playing all 40 minutes in the overtime contest. Home court has been significant in the series, with Iona escaping with a one-point win last month in New Rochelle. Merrimack will look to leverage its current momentum and defend its home floor, where it is 11-2 this season. Iona, just 5-7 in true road games, seeks a critical road victory to improve its conference standing. Sunday’s result will carry weight for postseason seeding, with both teams looking to secure favorable positioning for the upcoming MAAC tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST.