HAMDEN, Conn. – A flurry of three-point field goals proved to be the different in tonight's men's basketball game between Fairfield University and Quinnipiac University. While both teams had flashes of success from behind the arc, it was the Bobcats that finally used their long-range shooting to separate themselves from the Stags which resulted in an 81-67 win for the home team.

                The Bobcats were able to score from three-point range throughout the game, registering a dozen three pointers. For Quinnipiac, the performance represented the eighth time that the team posted more than 10 shots from behind the arc. For Fairfield, it was the most three pointers the team allowed and only the fourth time that an opponent reached double figures from behind the arc this season.

                Fairfield trailed by seven points with six minutes left in the half but the lead was nearly cut in half after a Landon Taliaferro three pointer. Fairfield came within two points at 34-32 following Taj Benning's free throws but Rich Kelly doubled the advantage with a layup in the closing seconds. Despite surrendering eight three pointers in the first half, the Stags were still able to stay close with the Bobcats. Fairfield shot 43 percent from the floor in the opening 20 minutes including a pair of three pointers from Taliaferro, keeping the team within four points, 36-32, at intermission.

                "Landon was able to get some open looks against the zone but obviously teams have their antennas up with him," Head Coach Jay Young said. "Sometimes it's been tough for us to get him open. Tonight, he was able to find space early tonight."

                The Bobcats opened the second half with five quick points forcing a Fairfield timeout which seemed to help the Stags recover from the early run. Fairfield outscored Quinnipiac by an 11-3 count to pull within a point, 44-43, with 14:37 on the clock. Taliaferro was responsible for seven points while Chris Maidoh added four points.

                Still trailing by a point at 46-45, Quinnipiac started using their marksmanship to take command, using three three-point field goals over the next six minutes to fuel a 16-6 to take a double-digit lead at 62-51 with 6:50 on the clock. Jacob Rigoni posted two of those long-range shots while Rich Kelly added five of his team-high 21 points.
                Quinnipiac's lead reached as many as 15 points with four minutes to go before the game ended with the 14-point deficit.

                "It is really tough to go into these games and shoot 39 or 39 percent and expect our defense to pitch a shutout," Young said. "Our defense was not great tonight giving up 12 threes even though that was a huge emphasis for us over the last few days."

                Taliaferro finished the game with 21 points while Taj Benning was next in line with 12 points. Chris Maidoh just missed a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds and Jesus Cruz paced all Fairfield reserves with 10 points.  

                "Chris is coming along and he was active tonight," Coach Young said. "You can see his progression every game. He's been a real bright spot for us and hopefully he keeps improving as we move forward."         

                Fairfield will return home for a Sunday afternoon game against Canisius College, completing the season series with the Golden Griffins. The Stags won the first meeting in Buffalo by a 46-42 score. The game is scheduled for a 2 pm tip on George Bisacca Court at Alumni Hall.  The game will also serve as the team's annual "pink game" as a part of National Coaches vs. Cancer Week. T-shirts and raffle tickets will be sold and donations will be collected to support the Norma Pfriem Breast Center. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to promote breast cancer awareness.