Nov. 14, 2006
PHILADELPHIA - The Fairfield University men's basketball team dropped a 63-47 decision to host Saint Joseph's University this evening at Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse.
St. Joseph's used an 11-3 run in the early portion of the second half to build a 48-29 advantage, but the Stags would not quit. Fairfield scored the next seven points, in a 2:30 span, to get to within 48-36, but could get no closer. Greg Nero scored six of those seven points, with Anthony Johnson adding a free throw during the run.
In the first half, Fairfield took momentum to the locker room on the strength of a three-pointer by Michael van Schaick from the corner with three second to play in the half, making the score 28-17. The teams exchanged turnovers on the first possessions of the second half, and then layups on the next, but the Stags could not cut the lead to single digits.
Nero enjoyed another solid game, as he led the team in scoring with 18 points. He was the team's leading scorer for the third straight game, the first Fairfield University freshman to accomplish that task. He tallied 13 points in the second half, and made seven of 13 field goal attempts. Johnson was the only other Fairfield player in double figures with 12 points, including a spectacular slam late in the second half that brought the Saint Joseph fans to their feet.
The Stags continued to hit the boards hard with 31 caroms, including 20 on the offensive glass. Fairfield was just edged out in that column with the home team collecting 35 rebounds. Saint Joseph's became the first team to break the 60-point mark in regulation against Fairfield.
The Stags continue their five-game road swing this weekend in Hartford, Conn., as they take part in the Hispanic Fund Classic at the Harford Civic Center. Fairfield will play Ole Miss Friday at 5:30 p.m., UConn Saturday at 8 p.m and Central Arkansas on Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
