RIVERDALE, N.Y. – TJ Long scored a team-best 14 points off the bench, Supreme Cook celebrated his birthday with 13 points and eight rebounds, and Taj Benning scored six of his 12 points in the final two minutes of action to power Fairfield University Men's Basketball to a MAAC road win at Manhattan on Sunday afternoon. Fairfield also got nine points from Jake Wojcik as all eight Stags to check into the game contributed to the scoring.
 
With the win, Fairfield (13-16, 7-11 MAAC) avenges a 74-67 loss to the Jaspers on Feb. 16 at Webster Bank Arena. Manhattan (14-13, 7-11 MAAC) shot 30-for-33 from the free throw line in that meeting 11 days ago compared to a 7-for-13 showing at the stripe on Sunday.
 
"We did a much better job defensively this time, especially defending without putting them on the line," said Head Coach Jay Young. "And it wasn't perfect down the stretch, but it nice to see our guys make enough plays to win on both ends of the floor. There's a lot to take away and to work on from this game. We'll enjoy the win today and get back in the gym tomorrow to get ready for Rider."
 
Benning's day included Fairfield's final six points of the day, which started by draining a pair of free throws to extend the lead to 62-55 with 1:58 to go. Manhattan made a final push with an Ant Nelson three-pointer and a steal for Jose Perez that led to two free throws, cutting the margin to 62-60.
 
After an empty trip each way, the Stags worked the shot clock into the waning seconds when Benning hit a tough layup in traffic to make in a 64-60 Fairfield with the shot clock off. The Jaspers responded with a quick bucket and then forced the turnover they needed on the in-bounds pass, but strong defense from Cook forced a missed layup, and Benning corralled the rebound. The Stags' captain buried two more crucial free throws to extend the lead to two possessions at 66-62, and a pair of desperation heaves for Manhattan clanged off the rim as time expired on a Fairfield victory.
 
Long helped balance the scoring, splitting his 14 points equally with seven in each half. Jesus Cruz added six points and seven rebounds, Chris Maidoh netted five, and Allan Jeanne-Rose scored four with a pair of rim-rattling dunks, including the breakaway slam that sent the Stags into the locker room with a 31-29 lead.
 
Caleb Green capped the scoring with three points in addition to his game-high five assists. Wojcik also helped facilitate the offense with four helpers.
 
The Stags were clipped on the boards, 39-37, as well as the turnover battle, 15-11.
 
Nelson led Manhattan with all of his game-high 20 points coming in the second half. Perez, who entered the day as the MAAC's leading scorer, labored for his 13 tallies on a 4-for-18 shooting day.
 
Up next, the Stags close out the home portion of the 2021-22 schedule on Thursday, March 3 with a visit from Rider. The backend of a Fairfield Basketball doubleheader at Webster Bank Arena tips off at approximately 7:30 p.m. following a 5 p.m. women's game.

Fairfield Men's Basketball will celebrate Senior Night prior to the contest.

Tickets for the doubleheader are on sale now via Ticketmaster and the Webster Bank Arena box office.