Feb 2, 2002
Bridgeport, Conn. -- Willie Haynes' slam dunk with 22 seconds remaining in the game was the different as Manhattan College (16-4 overall, 8-3 MAAC) edged Fairfield University (6-13, 5-7) by a 73-70 score.
Fairfield erased an eight-point deficit late in the game, as the Jaspers held a 70-62 lead with 4:17 remaining. The Stags cut into the lead on a pair of free throws by Kudjo Sogadzi with 3:55 remaining, and another pair from Ajou Deng to make the score 70-66 with 3:28 remaining. A steal and a driving layup by Sogadzi on the next Manhattan possession cut the lead to two points, 70-68 with 2:04 on the clock.
Fairfield tied the game as Oscar Garcia made two of four free throws in the closing minute, making the score 70-70 with 40 seconds remaining. Manhattan had a chance to hold the ball for the final shot, but the ball bounced off Luis Flores' leg into the backcourt, giving the Fairfield possession with 27 seconds remaining. On the first in-bound attempt, the ball was deflected out of bounds, and still belonged to the Stags. The second in-bound attempt was stolen by Van Damien Green, who fed Haynes for an uncontested dunk.
After a missed shot, Fairfield was forced to foul to stop the clock. Noah Coughlin made one of two free throws with three seconds remaining. Nick Delfico's heave from midcourt hit the backboard, sealing the Manhattan win.
Deng finished the game with 24 points, nine rebounds and four blocks for Fairfield. Flores led all scorers with 25 points for Manhattan.
