FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The Fairfield University men's basketball team will play its fourth game in eight days on Thursday night with the Stags welcoming Saint Peter's University to Webster Bank Arena. The game is scheduled for 7 pm and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

The Stags earned their first MAAC win of the season with their 77-59 decision over Niagara University at Alumni Hall. Fairfield trailed only twice in the game and held a double-digit lead for nearly 30 minutes. The team held a 41-30 lead by halftime, the third straight MAAC game in which Fairfield opened up a double-figure advantage by the half. 

Jonathan Kasibabu paced the Stags by registering season highs with 20 points and 14 rebounds. The double-double was the fourth in the senior's last seven games and his most dominating performance during the run. Neftali Alvarez also reached double digits with his 15 points, followed closely by Jesus Cruz's 13 markers. And, Aidas Kavalauskas tacked on 10 assists in the Niagara win in addition to six points and two steals.

Landon Taliaferro added two more three pointers to his ledger, entering tonight's game with 53 baskets from behind the arc. Foul trouble limited the junior's time on the court (19 minutes), but still finished the contest with eight points, a pair of rebounds and a steal. 

Taliaferro remains ranked among the nation's top three-point shooters, averaging 3.5  per game. His per game average is strong enough to pace all MAAC student-athletes as well. His percentage also places him among the nation's elite, netting 47 percent of his shots from behind the arc. The guard averages a team-best 13.7 points per game, followed by Alvarez (13.2 ppg) and Kasibabu (11.4 ppg). Kasibabu raised his rebounding average to 7.7 following his 14 caroms against Niagara.

The Peacocks come into tonight's game with a 4-10 overall record and a 1-1 mark in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) after its 61-44 loss to Monmouth University. Saint Peter's fell to 0-8 in road games following its decision against Monmouth, a sharp contrast to its 4-2 record at the Yanitelli Center. 

The team opened MAAC play with a 65-60 win over Siena, the team's first victory that did not require overtime. Saint Peter's defeated Lafayette (93-86), Maine (63-59), and Hampton (83-80) in extra time before picking up the regulation decision against the Saints. Saint Peter's leads the nation in overtime games played (4) and most overtime victories (3).

Guard Davauhnte Turner played a pivotal role in both games, posting a team-best 21 points against Siena and adding 12 points in the Monmouth game. Dallas Watson paced the Peacocks against Monmouth with a team-high 13 points.

Turner represents the team's top scorer with a 17.3 scoring average, a number which places second in the conference standings. He also serves as the Peacocks' top three-point shooter, netting 27 in 14 games. Samuel Idowu is the team's only other double-digit scorer, netting 11.7 points per contest. The senior is averaging 11 points and five rebounds in MAAC play, highlighted by his 15 points in the win against Siena.

Game Promotions
Foam Finger Giveaway: The first 200 fans in attendance receive a Fairfield Stags foam finger.

Lil' Stags Club Night: All Lil' Stags Club members receive free youth admission for themselves AND a friend. A Lil' Stags Club membership card must be presented to redeem.
 Youth fans (eighth grade and younger) can join the Lil' Stags Club for free admission to all Fairfield Athletics events held on campus throughout the 2018-19 season.