Jan. 10, 2006
LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. -- Terrence Todd scored a game-high 26 points, while Herbie Allen added a career-high 17 points to lead the men's basketball team to an 85-81 win over Rider University on the road. Allen scored five of the team's school-record 16 three-point baskets in the game, making all six of his field goal attempts.
The Stags were in front for most of the game, leading by as many as 11 points in the second half. Rider held an early lead at 6-3 and 9-8, but Michael Van Schaick connected from long range to push Fairfield in front at 11-9 with 14:54 remaining. Rider tied the game on Harris Mansell's lay up with 13:51 remaining, but another Van Schaick three-point basket regained Fairfield's three-point edge at 14-11.
The visitors used that basket as a catalyst, going on an 11-4 run from that point to gain their first double-figure lead at 25-15 with 8:28 remaining. Rider needed six minutes to shave one point off the lead at 40-31 with 2:19 on the clock. However, a late run by the Broncs enabled them to trail by just three points at intermission, 40-37.
The late first-half momentum carried into the second half for Rider. The Broncs continued its run with a 5-2 opening spurt to tie the game at 42-42 following a lay up from Jason Thompson. The score remained tied at 50-50 with 15:45 remaining, before Todd's jumper pushed the Stags back in front at 52-50.
Fairfield did not relent and continued to pressure the Broncs which resulted in turnovers and transition baskets, allowing the Stags to regain their double-digit advantage at 70-59 after Todd hit a three-pointer.
Rider Head Coach Tommy Dempsey called a time out and regrouped his team. It was the perfect tonic for what ailed the Broncs, as the team went on a 13-2 run from that point to tie the score at 72-72 with five minutes remaining. Rider finally gained the lead on Terrance Mouton's layup, making the score 74-72 with 4:10 remaining.
Fairfield regained the lead for good when Todd hit another jumper for a 79-78 lead with 2:23 remaining.
Fairfield's 16 three-point baskets set a school record by eclipsing the previous high of 14 against Rice on December 30, 1991.
