Feb. 19, 2004
FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Everyone has finally caught their collective breath. Everyone has finally returned focus to the task at hand. And now, everyone has finally come to realize that anything can happen.
After watching the Fairfield University men's basketball team erase a 19-point halftime lead and defeat Niagara University last Monday, fans of the Red and White can't wait to see what happens next. Tonight, the Stags return to the hardwood for the first time since their impressive come-from-behind win versus Niagara University, and host long-time rival Iona College.
Saying that the Gaels are a long-time rival might be an understatement, considering the two teams meet for the 80th time this evening. The Fairfield-Iona series is second only to the Saint Peter's series, with the Stags and Peacocks meeting 82 times. Iona holds an advantage in the series history, winning 49 of previous 79 meetings. But, the Stags have made up some ground in the series by posting a victory in each of the last three contests, including an 81-78 win at the Mulcahy Center in mid-January.
Tyquawn Goode scored 12 points in that win over Iona, something the guard has become more and more accustomed to over the last few games. Goode, who hit the three pointer to put Fairfield up for good against Niagara, is averaging better than eight points per game over the last seven outings. Plus, he has a near 2-to-1 ratio in assists to turnovers during that spell (35 assists, 18 turnovers).
The inside game has been handled well by senior Rob Thomson and sophomore DeWitt Maxwell. Both players registered a double double in the win over Niagara. Thomson collected his team-leading seventh double double with a career-high tying 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Maxwell picked up his first with 15 points and a career-high 10 caroms.
The Gaels enter tonight's contest with a 7-16 overall record and a 5-9 MAAC slate. Iona plays its third straight game on the road, a trip which included Manhattan and Marist. In the last game, Greg Jenkins scored a season-high 26 points in a 59-57 loss at Marist, shooting nine of 11 from the field. He added seven rebounds and five blocks to his game totals.
Over the last six games, Greg Jenkins and Anthony Bruin have combined to block 30 shots. In the Manhattan game, Jenkins rejected nine shots, while Bruin added three. The team averaged 5.3 blocks per game.
Marvin McCullough has been the team's play maker throughout the season, dishing off 29 assists over the last five games (5.8 apg). He is closing in on 100 assists for the season, needing just six more to post back-to-back 100 assist seasons (117 assists in 2002-03).
To purchase tickets to any Fairfield University basketball game, please call (203) 254-4103. You may also buy tickets over the internet at www.ticketmaster.com or on the tickets page of this web site. Or, you can secure tickets by visiting the Arena at Harbor Yard box office.
