FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Prophet Johnson filled out the statsheet with 23 points, 10 rebounds and six assists to lead Fairfield University Men's Basketball on Sunday at Leo D. Mahoney Arena, but the Stags were on the short side of an 80-67 decision to visiting Manhattan. Johnson's double-double was his team-leading sixth of the season.
With the loss, the Stags fall to 9-17 overall and 5-10 in the MAAC. Manhattan – now a winner in three straight – moves to 13-10 on the year with an 8-6 conference tally. The Stags split the season series with the Jaspers, having earned an 87-84 overtime win at Draddy Gymnasium last month.
"I thought we executed offensively, for the most part. But we needed to make more open looks," said Head Coach
Chris Casey. "When good looks aren't falling, you need to make up those points in other ways with stops and defensive rebounds, and we didn't do that well enough today."
Johnson's 23 points were two off his career high and marked his highest scoring output against a Division I opponent this season. His six assists matched his career best established earlier this season against Drexel. Three of Johnson's 10 rebounds came from the offensive glass, running his season total to 75. He is one of just 20 Stags to grab 75 or more offensive rebounds in a season since the stat became an official one in the 1986-87 campaign
In total, nine Stags contributed to Fairfield's 67 points.
Braden Sparks knocked down two three-pointers on his way to 12 points,
Jamie Bergens chipped in nine to go along with his five assists, and the duo of
Louis Bleechmore and
Peyton Smith notched six points apiece. Rounding out the scoring,
Kyle Jenkins netted four points,
Deon Perry had three and
Isaac Munkadi scored two.
In addition to Johnson's 10 rebounds, Smith and Munkadi pulled down five boards apiece. The Stags were clipped on the glass, 30-28.
Masiah Gilyard led five Manhattan players scoring in double figures. Jaden Winston had 14 for the Jaspers, Will Sydnor tallied 13, Shaquil Bender netted 12 and Devin Dinkins had 10 off the bench.
A one-game weekend awaits the Stags as Fairfield makes the trip to Rider on Friday, Feb. 21. The Broncs, who lost a 66-65 contest today at Saint Peter's, are 10-16 overall and 6-9 in the MAAC.
Action returns to Mahoney Arena on the following Friday for a 7 p.m. visit from Mount St. Mary's.
