Hayes lived up to his advance billing, launching the Warriors’ DI journey with a win over Big Ten opponent Northwestern in just the program’s second game on Friday. Hayes, an Honorable Mention All-American last season known for his outstanding all-around game, didn’t miss a beat in his first week, averaging 14.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 2.5 steals. In the victory at Northwestern, he rang up 19 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals as Merrimack earned a spot on the national radar with its 71-61 road victory. Hayes, who hails from Paterson, NJ, made eight free throws in the final 1:23 to seal the win. He entered his senior year with 1,619 points, 595 rebounds, 754 assists and 336 steals over his first three years in North Andover.