BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Trailing by as many as 12 points in the second half, Fairfield University Men's Basketball climbed back to within one possession of Saint Peter's on three occasions on Friday evening at Webster Bank Arena. But the Stags never drew even with the Peacocks as the visitors made several run-stopping buckets and hit 7-of-8 free throws in the final 50 seconds of the game to pull away with a 70-59 victory.
 
"We couldn't get enough stops in big moments," said Head Coach Jay Young. "That's been the story of all of our games with Saint Peter's over the last three years. And tonight, they were the team that made those few extra stops and shots and got the win."
 
Four Stags scored in double figures in the loss, led by 12 points for Supreme Cook to go along with a team-best seven rebounds. On the perimeter, Taj Benning and Caleb Green each netted 11 points, and Jalen Leach pitched in 10.
 
Chris Maidoh contributed seven points fueled by three highlight reel dunks – along with three blocked shots – and Jake Wojcik and TJ Long each sank of the Stags' six three-pointers to chip in three points apiece. Rounding out the scoring, Zach Crisler corralled and offensive rebound and put-back to finish with two points.
 
Crisler's deuce was two of five second-chance points for Fairfield, while Saint Peter's picked up 21 second-chance points facilitated by 14 offensive boards. Overall, the Peacocks gained a 43-28 advantage on the glass.
 
The Stags won the turnover battle, 15-9, and netted 14 points off turnovers to SPU's 12.
 
Saint Peter's was led on both ends of the court by KC Ndefo. The two-time reigning MAAC Defensive Player of the Year recorded 16 points, seven rebounds and five blocks. Matthew Lee was the only other Peacock in double figures with 11 points.
 
Tonight's game concluded a six-game homestand for the Stags. Fairfield returns to the road and completes a stretch of eight games in 17 days on Sunday, Feb. 20 with a visit to first-place Iona. Opening tip-off on ESPN3 is slated for 1 p.m.