FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Men's Basketball took home another nailbiter at Leo D. Mahoney Arena, this time dispatching visiting Marist, 63-60, on Saturday night. Braden Sparks led all scorers with 20 points, and Brandon Benjamin posted his MAAC-best 13th double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
 
"This is what MAAC basketball is like as you get deeper into the season," said Head Coach Chris Casey. "It's about the fight and guys making plays. We put ourselves in a position to play from out in front tonight, and then we made enough plays to come away with the win."
 
After tonight, Fairfield has won five of its last six games to improve to 16-10 overall and 8-7 in the MAAC. The Stags have won their last seven one-possession games and are now 4-0 this season when playing a MAAC opponent for the second time.
 
Marist saw its four-game winning streak come to an end, dropping to 16-8 on the year and 10-5 in conference action.
 
Sparks's 20 points included four three-pointers, as he moved into a tie for eighth in a single-season with 78 treys. He capped the effort with two free throws to push the lead to 63-60 with 12 seconds left. On the ensuing Marist possession, Benjamin nabbed his 12th and final rebound as time expired on the three-point triumph.
 
The MAAC's leading rebounder, Benjamin has posted a double-double in all five wins of the Stags' current stretch. Tonight, he corralled four of his dozen from the offensive glass. Benjamin also blocked two shots and had three steals.
 
Declan Wucherpfennig filled out his stat line with 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists. He played all 20 minutes of the second half and contributed 10 of his 14 after the intermission on 4-for-5 shooting.
 
All 10 of Fairfield's bench points came courtesy of Deuce Turner. And Tony Williams rounded out the scoring with six points in the form of back-to-back three-pointers to open the second half. Williams also distributed a team-leading four assists.
 
Marist was led by 18 points and six rebounds for Justin Menard.
 
Fairfield Men's Basketball will enjoy a rare seven-day hiatus between games, returning to the court next Sunday, Feb. 16 at Saint Peter's. The Peacocks, who will host Sacred Heart on Friday before welcoming the Stags, earned a 70-65 win over Siena this afternoon to improve to 14-8 overall and 11-3 in conference action.