LIU quarterback Derek Green throws against the Bryant Bulldogs on...

LIU quarterback Derek Green throws against the Bryant Bulldogs on Sept. 24 at LIU. Credit: /Lee S. Weissman

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — Victor Dawson scored on a 4-yard run to cap Merrimack’s fourth-quarter comeback to barely beat LIU, 24-23, on Saturday in a Northeast Conference opener for both teams. Dawson’s touchdown came with 3 1/2 minutes left and gave Merrimack (3-2, 1-0) its first lead.

The Sharks (0-5, 0-1) scored 17 second-quarter points to take a 20-10 halftime lead that included Derek Green’s 15-yard scoring pass to Tosin Oyekanmi and Pat Bowen’s 86-yard touchdown run.

After an LIU field goal in the third quarter, Merrimack closed within 23-17 on Gavin McCusker’s 18-yard pass to Hayden Fisher to open the fourth quarter. Merrimack’s other touchdown came on a 64-yard play from McCusker to Jacari Carter in the first half.

Michael Coney kicked three field goals for LIU.

Bowen had 102 yards rushing. LIU lost three fumbles and had one pass intercepted.

Dawson finished with 110 yards rushing and Carter 105 yards receiving. — AP

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