Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

A collection of notes, observations, facts and stats that didn’t find their way into the newspaper story.

Magic defense
The River Hawks defenders mastered the magic trick of appearing to be in two places at the same time. They were successful in both being in position to defend the outside shot (Merrimack came in averaging eight three-pointers per game) and not leave room for too many easy baskets inside.

Stonehill did outscore UML in the paint (32 to 22), but the River Hawks did salvage the win. Meanwhile, the Skyhawks only made 6 of 17 from downtown.

“We’re aware of where the shooters are so we get to them a little quicker, make them put it on the ground, try to take away one of their driving angles so at least we know, if they drive, where they’re going to be,” UML head coach Ken Barer said. “And I think what happened tonight too is we did stop the three pretty well, but guys weren’t getting blown by on drives. We were containing the ball well. It wasn’t like we were chasing like crazy.”

Right on rookie
Barer also sung the praises of freshman Max Kerman out of Watertown, Mass.

The youngster was 2 of 3 from the field with an assist and two steals in 19 minutes, but the effort plays like hustling for loose balls and playing good tough defense were what Barer called the “essence” of Kerman.

A couple strong jabs from Ali
Sophomore forward Ali Kanaan had one of those games that will get River Hawks fans riled up. The 6-foot-9 Canadian import scored 12 points and yanked down nine rebounds. He combined with Victor Colon to provide the inside presence that opened up room for the three-point shots (UML shot 42 percent from long range).

Kanaan was 1 of 2 from long range himself, and he shot 5 of 8 overall. Six of his nine rebounds came on the defensive end.

That inside play is even more important right now as the River Hawks other Canadian import, senior forward Jerreh Saidybah, is still shelved after knee surgery.

Numerology
Along with keeping the Stonehill shooters from getting hot, the River Hawks managed to toss in their share of points.

Efficiency out of the seniors in the backcourt is always a key. How about a combined 7 of 11 shooting (4 of 7 three-pointers) and just three turnovers from UML senior guards Dashon Harper and Jamael Lynch. The duo also went 6 of 7 at the free throw line.

Harper and Lynch each finished with 12 points. Lynch, a senior transfer out of the University of Rhode Island, also dished out five assists.

The River Hawks shot 51 percent from the field as a team, and seven players got into the scoring column.