NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – Prophet Johnson topped the 1,000-point mark for his collegiate career, racking up 12 points on Friday for Fairfield University Men's Basketball in a 67-54 loss at MAAC newcomer Merrimack. Johnson shared the team high of 12 points with Braden Sparks.
 
With the loss, the Stags fall to 5-9 on the season with a 1-2 MAAC record. Merrimack improves to 6-8 and stays unbeaten in the conference at 3-0. The meeting was the first between the two squads since 1977 and Fairfield's first visit to North Andover since 1958.

"We need to start games better, especially on the road," said Head Coach Chris Casey. "We struggled today in terms of both shot making and getting stops defensively. Back to work tomorrow to get ready for Iona next Friday on our home court."
 
After his dozen points today, Johnson has amassed 1,002 career points. His collegiate career began with 572 points in one season at Bellevue College, followed by 262 last year at Southern Utah and 168 points to date in his first season as a Stag.
 
In today's game, Johnson also shared the game high of six rebounds with Isaac Munkadi as Fairfield battled to a 41-23 advantage on the glass. Michael Rogan added five boards and the duo of Peyton Smith and Birima Seck hauled in four apiece.
 
For Sparks, his 12 points included one three-pointer and a 5-for-5 day at the free throw line. Munkadi added a career-best nine points, Rogan scored six, Seck netted five and Smith had four. Rounding out Fairfield's 54 points were Louis Bleechmore, Jamie Bergens and Makuei Riek with two points apiece.
 
The Stags were plagued by a fast start for Merrimack as – after a Munkadi tip-in to start the scoring – the Warriors ran off 10 straight points as a part of a 21-4 run to build a quick 21-6 lead. The double-digit mark held for the remainder of the first half with the hosts taking a 38-24 margin into the intermission.
 
After the break, the margin grew as large as 25 points for Merrimack. Fairfield made a last push with Johnson scoring eight of his 12 points down the stretch as the Stags finished the contest on a 16-4 run. But the Warriors' lead ultimately proved insurmountable as the hosts grabbed a 67-54 final decision.
 
Merrimack was guided by the MAAC's leading scorer and reigning NEC Rookie of the Year in Adam "Budd" Clark, who finished with 18 points and five assists. Devon Savage led all scorers with 21 points on a lights-out 7-for-8 shooting day from three-point range.
 
Up next, the Stags take to George Bisacca Court at Leo D. Mahoney Arena for the first time in 2025 on Friday, Jan. 10 to host Iona at 7 p.m.
 
Tickets are on sale now at FairfieldStags.com/TIX.