NEW BRITAIN, Conn. -- Fairfield University Men's Basketball raced out to a lead as large as 31 points over host Central Connecticut State on Thursday evening in New Britain, rolling to an 84-70 victory. Braden Sparks scored a game-best 21 points and Brandon Benjamin netted a career-best 19 to go along with nine rebounds.
 
"That was a great road win against a team that's been playing very good basketball this season," said Head Coach Chris Casey. "We came out with intensity right from the opening tip, and we got contributions for everybody. Those are two things we'll need to do every game to be successful the rest of the way."
 
With their second straight win, the Stags improve to 7-5. CCSU suffers its first setback at home, slipping to 3-1 at Detrick Gymnasium as a part of a 6-5 overall tally.
 
Sparks needed just 13 field goal attempts and 28 minutes to amass his 21 points. The MAAC's leading scorer shot 8-for-13 from the floor and knocked down four three-pointers to tally his sixth 20-plus point scoring performance of the season.
 
Reigning MAAC Rookie of the Week Benjamin stated his case for a fourth award next week, as he compiled 19 points on 7-for-10 shooting with nine rebounds. Tony Williams scored points for the Stags, Halon Rawlins netted five, and Declan Wucherpfennig had three along with eight rebounds.
 
The Stags also benefited from 29 bench points in the game, led by 12 points from Eric Mejia. The former JUCO All-American also made an impact on the defensive end with four steals.
 
Deuce Turner added 11 points and three assists coming off the bench, with Cam Estevez and Nasir Rodriguez each knocking down a three-pointer in a reserve role.
 
CCSU came out of the gates out to a 15-8 lead after the first six minutes of action. The Stags answered back with a Rawlins three-pointer, a floater from Williams, and then Sparks converted a step-back triple to put Fairfield in front, 16-15. Benjamin added a layup as the Stags grabbed a lead they would not relinquish, outscoring the hosts by 28 points over the last 14 minutes of the period to carry a 47-26 lead into the half.
 
Sparks had 16 points in the first half fueled by a 3-for-5 performance from three-point range. Eight Stags chipped in to the first half scoring as Fairfield shot 18-for-32 (56.3%) from the field with a 7-for-18 (.389) performance from three-point range. The Stags also outrebounded the Blue Devils, 22-14, in the opening 20 minutes.
 
Fairfield continued to roll out of the break, starting the frame on a 13-3 run to build its largest lead of the day at 60-29. The Blue Devils, who entered the day averaging over 80 points per game, started to click offensively to cut into the margin, but the Stags continued putting points on the board en route to an 84-70 triumph.
 
Darin Smith Jr. scored a team-leading 20 points for CCSU.
                                                                                                                                   
Up next, the Stags return home to Leo D. Mahoney Arena to close out the non-conference schedule on Monday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. against CCNY.

Tickets are on sale now at FairfieldStags.com/TIX.