Feb. 3, 2006
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- Terrance Todd scored a team-high 20 points, including 18 markers in the second half and overtime, to lift the Fairfield University men's basketball team to a 77-69 overtime win against Rider University. The victory completed a series sweep of the Broncs, and improved the Stags overall record to 7-13 and MAAC slate to 5-7.
Fairfield trailed for most of the first half with the exception of two one-point leads and one two-point advantage in the first 18 minutes of the game. The Stags trailed by two points with two minutes left in the first half, but finished the period with a 5-0 run courtesy of lay up by Jonathan Han and a three-point basket by Michael Bell. The spurt gave Fairfield a 36-33 lead at intermission, its biggest lead to that point.
Rider started the second half quickly by scoring the first eight points which translated into a 41-36 lead. The five-point remained at 45-40, but the Stags put together eight consecutive points to regain their three-point lead at 48-45. Han tallied the last four points of the run. The Stags pushed the lead to 10 points with eight minutes remaining, 59-49, thanks to an 11-4 run. Once again, Han netted four points during that time span.
The Broncs climbed back into the game with a 16-6 run that started with five points from Jason Thompson. Two baskets by Todd kept Fairfield's lead nearly intact at nine points, before Harris Mansell hit a three-point basket to make the score 63-57. The three pointer halted a dry spell for Rider that included 12 straight misses from behind the arc.
The visitors eventually tied the game when Paul Johnson hit a three-point basket with 2:51 remaining, making the score 65-65. Todd put Fairfield back in front with a jumper at 1:38, but Thompson tied the score with a pair of free throws with 1:24 on the clock.
The Stags took control of the overtime when Michael Van Schaick tallied the first five points of the five-minute period. Todd also added four points in overtime, as the Stags defense yielded only a dunk by Thompson which came at the 3:17 mark.
Van Schaick finished the game with eight points, while Han and Bell each added 10 points for the Stags. Thompson led all scorers with 25 points and completed a double double with 12 caroms.
Fairfield returns to action on Sunday, February 5 when it hosts Niagara University at the Arena at Harbor Yard. Game time is slated for 3:30 pm.
