LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Interstat) — The Merrimack women’s basketball team overcame an early deficit to defeat Rider 72-54 in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game Thursday at Alumni Gymnasium. Rider led 22-13 after the first quarter, but the Warriors held the Broncs to just six points in the second quarter to take control. Merrimack steadily expanded its lead after halftime. Deb Okechukwu led Rider with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Aina Perez Mesquida added 13 points. The Broncs fell to 2-11. Merrimack improved to 5-7. Attendance was 347.

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum to open the new year will meet Thursday when the Merrimack Warriors visit the Rider Broncs in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women’s basketball matchup at Alumni Gymnasium. Merrimack (4-7) enters on a positive note, having snapped a three-game skid with a 60-56 home victory over Mount Saint Mary’s on Monday. Rider (2-10) looks to halt a six-game losing streak, most recently a 72-53 defeat at Iona on Monday. The Warriors are led by forward Madison Roman, who is coming off a dominant 20-point, 14-rebound performance in 38 minutes against Mount Saint Mary’s. Her consistency on the glass will be key against a Rider team that has struggled offensively. The Broncs counter with guard Aliya McIver, a durable playmaker who has averaged 37 minutes over her last five games. In the loss to Iona, McIver nearly posted a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds, adding four assists. Both teams have faced similar non-conference struggles, but Merrimack’s recent win provides a slight psychological edge. The Warriors’ interior presence, bolstered by Roman and Oralye Kiefer (14 points, 11 rebounds Monday), will test a Rider squad that has been held under 60 points in eight of its ten losses. For Rider, finding consistent scoring beyond McIver is imperative. The Broncs have not surpassed 59 points during their current losing streak. This game opens the MAAC schedule for both programs. Merrimack continues its road trip at Saint Peter’s on Saturday, while Rider hosts Quinnipiac the same day. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.