Jan. 14, 2002
Bridgeport, Conn. -- Nick Delfico came off the bench to score a game-high 18 points, helping Fairfield University (4-9 overall, 3-3 MAAC) defeat Rider University (7-8, 3-3) by a 69-57 score. The forward was perfect in the first half, hitting all three shots from the field and all three free throws for 10 points.
Rider scored the first seven points of the game, including a tip-in basket and a three-pointer from R.J. Wicks. The Stags cut into the deficit with a run of five points, the last three coming on a jumper from Ajou Deng. The Broncs built their lead into a nine-point advantage at 16-9, as Mario Porter and Mike Scott each netted a pair of baskets during the run.
Fairfield quickly erased the lead with a 10-point spurt, taking its first lead at 17-16 with 8:43 remaining in the first half. Rider regained the lead on its next possession, and raised the lead to four points, 21-17 with seven minutes remaining. The Stags answered with another five-point run to regain the lead for good at 22-21, as Rob Thomson's jumper put Fairfield ahead. The Stags outscored Rider by a 15-1 count over the final five minutes of the half to take a 15-point halftime lead, 37-22. Delfico scored five points during the Stags half-ending run.
The Stags enjoyed a double-digit lead for most of the second half, as the Broncs came closest at seven points, 57-50 with 6:47 remaining. But, Fairfield scored five straight points to regain a 12-point advantage.
Deng completed his double-double with 11 points and a team-high 12 rebounds, while Kudjo Sogadzi came off the bench to score 12 points for Fairfield. Porter paced the Rider attack with a double-double, registering 18 points and 12 rebounds.
