BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Tyler Nelson scored a game-high 24 points, his second straight 20-point performance, as the Fairfield University men's basketball team fell to Canisius College by a 72-65 score at Koessler Athletic Center.

This game features a series of runs by both teams with Canisius getting it going first with six straight points after Steve Johnston netted a three pointer on Fairfield's first possession to take a 6-3 lead. The Golden Griffs held the lead for the start of the first half, enjoying a seven-point edge at 16-9 and six-point advantage at 20-14 before the Stags posted 15 straight points to grab a 29-20 lead with 5:38 remaining.

Canisius answered with a half-ending run to tie the game at 34-34, including the final four points of the half. Nelson sparked the Fairfield offense with 14 points, while Josiah Heath was the only other student-athlete in double figures with 10 points for the Griffs.

The home team grabbed an early advantage to start the second half, 38-36, but Fairfield quickly erased that disadvantage with 10-2 spurt that secured a 46-40 lead at the 14:10 mark. That advantage remained for Fairfield until Canisius took the lead back after Jeremiah Williams' put back layup made it a 52-51 Griffs edge.

Canisius would eventually run that one-point lead into eight points and would not trail the rest of the way.

Marcus Gilbert, who spent most of the game in foul trouble, added 13 points while Mike Kirkland reached double figures with 10 points. Three Canisius players reached double-doubles led by Josiah Heath's 18 points and 13 rebounds. Kevin Bleeker (15 pts, 13 rebs.) and Jamal Reynolds (15 pts., 11 rebs.) also earned the distinction.

Fairfield finishes the regular season on Sunday when it heads to Niagara University for a 2 pm game.