Box Score 

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- When two coaches who are known for their defensive play get together, the game can be a little hard on the eye. But in the end, Holy Cross came away with a 67-54 victory over the Stags, spoiling the team's home opener.

Fairfield's only leads in the game came in the opening minutes when Greg Nero put the Stags in front with the first points of the contest. After Colin Cunningham's layup tied the game, Yorel Hawkins recaptured the lead for Fairfield with a jumper at the 17:01 mark. Holy Cross grabbed control of the game with 11 straight points, including back-to-back three-point baskets by Alex Vander Baan to close the run.

The Stags climbed back into the game with some solid defense which allowed the home team to post a slight run that pulled it within five points at 20-15 following a three-point play by Mike Evanovich. But once again, the Crusaders answered with a spurt of its own to gain a double-digit lead at 27-15 with five minutes remaining in the half. Fairfield cut the lead to under 10 when Warren Edney hit three free throws off a foul to make the score 36-27 at intermission.

Holy Cross rebuilt its double-figure advantage early in the second half, as the deficit reached 12 points at 43-31 at 14:51 remaining. Herbie Allen helped the cause with five points during a 7-0 run that put Fairfield back into contention at 43-38. The lead was sliced to four points at 48-44, but that would be the closest Fairfield would come in this game.

Allen ended the game with nine points, while Anthony Johnson collected eight points. Marty O'Sullivan was the team's top rebounder with five caroms to compliment his five points. Cunningham led all scorers by netting 17 markers for Holy Cross, followed by Vander Baan and Pat Doherty with 11 points each.

The Stags return to action on Thursday, November 15 when they travel to American University. Fairfield's next home game is November 18 when it hosts Sacred Heart University for a 7 pm game at the Arena at Harbor Yard.