FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Men's Basketball erased a 14-point deficit to head into halftime tied with Sacred Heart on Saturday night at Leo D. Mahoney Arena. But after six ties and four lead changes after the intermission, it was the visiting Pioneers who made the final surge to take a 77-71 decision. Prophet Johnson and Braden Sparks each scored 18 for the Stags before a sold-out crowd of 3,470 fans.
 
The setback dropped the Stags to 9-15 on the season and 5-8 in the MAAC. Sacred Heart ran its winning streak to five games, moving to 11-12 with a 7-5 conference tally.
 
"We made a few defensive miscues that led to some open three-pointers – and credit to Sacred Heart for converting on those – and left some points at the rim. And that was enough to make up the difference in a very hard-fought game," said Head Coach Chris Casey.
 
Johnson was 8-for-12 from the floor en route to his 18 points. The junior completed his fifth double-double of the season with 10 rebounds and chipped in defensively with two steals. Braden Sparks set a new career high with his 18 points, knocking down four three-pointers. Deon Perry was the third Stag in double figures with 12.
 
The Stags went just eight players deep in the contest, seven of whom chipped in to the scoring. Louis Bleechmore filled out his statline with eight points, five rebounds and two blocks. Jamie Bergens had six points, four boards and a team-high four assists. Peyton Smith contributed five points and seven rebounds, and Isaac Munkadi had two points, five caroms and a block.
 
Sacred Heart had four players in double figures, fueled by 20 apiece for Mekhi Conner and Nyle Ralph-Beyer, who each knocked down four three-pointers. Amiri Stewart had 17 points for the visiting Pioneers, and Tanner Thomas scored 14 points with 10 rebounds.
 
The crowd of 3,470 was the largest of the season for the Stags and the eighth time in the three-year history of Mahoney Arena that Fairfield Men's Basketball drew a crowd of over 3,000 fans.
 
Up next, the Stags hit the road for a rematch of the 2024 MAAC Championship Game and a Valentine's Day clash at Saint Peter's at 7 p.m.
 
Action returns to Mahoney Arena on the following Sunday, Feb. 16 as the Stags host Manhattan at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at FairfieldStags.com/TIX.