FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The Fairfield University men's basketball team returns home for the first of two home games this week, hosting Niagara University on Monday night at Alumni Hall. The game will begin at 7 pm and can be viewed on ESPN3. 

The Fairfield-Niagara game will benefit Coaches vs. Cancer with proceeds from ticket sales going to the organization. Fairfield University has partnered with Coaches vs. Cancer in previous years, helping raise funds and awareness for the fight against cancer.

The Stags dropped its second MAAC game in as many dates when they fell at Iona, 94-87. The Stags set a season-high with 16 three-point field goals in the game, highlighted by Felix Lemetti's career-high six shots from behind the arc. Landon Taliaferro added five three pointers, giving him 13 three pointers in his last two appearances. With those efforts, Taliaferro raised his season total to 51 three pointers, bolstering his season average to   3.64 three pointers per game. His 51 three pointers are tied for 17th in the nation. The junior raised his season scoring average to a team-best 14.1 points per game after netting 17 markers against Iona. He also ranks 10th in the conference for scoring average. Lemetti led all Fairfield scorers with his career-high 18 points.

All five Fairfield starters reached double figures, including Jonathan Kasibabu (14 points), Jesus Cruz (13 points), and Neftali Alvarez (12 points).  Alvarez put together his best overall game as a Stag, tying his career high with seven assists and adding six rebounds. The freshman places second on the team with a 13.1 scoring average but leads the team with 3.8 assists and 1.6 steals per contest. Jesus Cruz garnered his second career double double in the Iona game with his team-best 10 rebounds.

The Purple Eagles suffered their first defeat this season when they reached the 80-point mark, falling at Manhattan in their MAAC opener by a 90-80 score. Niagara won its previous two 80-point efforts, beating St. Bonaventure (80-72) and Norfolk State (83-75). Dominic Robb turned in a double-double against the Jaspers, posting team highs with his 17 points and 10 rebounds. Robb leads the conference in two statistical categories, blocking 3.2 shots per game and registering a .545 field goal percentage.

Marvin Prochet added 15 points in the Manhattan game which brought his season scoring average to 17.9 points per game, the second-best average in the MAAC. Niagara made 21 of its 35 free throws against Manhattan, adding to its MAAC-leading .753 free throw percentage, a number bolstered by James Towns' conference-best .837 free throw percentage (72 of 86).

If you peruse the MAAC statistical leaders, you will see several categories have a Stag and a Purple Eagle in the top three. Marvin Prochet ranks second in rebounding with 8.9 per game, while Jonathan Kasibabu is third with 7.3 per contest. Landon Taliaferro is the conference leader with 51 three pointers made, ahead of second-place holder Prochet's 33 long-range jumpers. Dominic Robb leads the MAAC with his .545 field goal percentage with Kasibabu holding third place by registering a .538 shooting percentage.

Game Promotions
Youth Basketball Night: Fans ages 12 and under can wear a basketball jersey for discounted youth admission.
 
Sydney Johnson Basketball Camp Reunion Night: Discounted admission to all campers wearing their camp t-shirt.
 
National Bobblehead Day: The first 200 fans in attendance receive a Lucas the Stag bobblehead.