Although the men’s basketball team was able to narrow a 14 point first half deficit, it was not enough as the Stags fell short to the Iona Gaels by a score of 71-62 at the Arena at Harbor Yard.
Senior forward Rakim Sanders led all scorers with 24 points, 20 of which came in the second half. However, only one other Fairfield player scored in double digits, Derek Needham, and the Stags shot a mere 25% from the floor in the first half.
Nevertheless, Sanders did not feel like they Stags did not have their chances to bounce back and win the game.
“We had some good opportunities but shots were not falling. It’s tough, but we’re doing what we can to stick together and help each other on the floor game by game,” said Sanders.
Coach Sydney Johnson may have plenty to be discouraged about from the loss, but he is confident that his team can regroup at the right time of the season.
“It’s a disappointing loss, but I do not see much separation between us and other teams in the MAAC. We are a hunted team at this point, everyone we play is bringing their A game and we have to be ready for it,” said Johnson.
Iona head coach Tim Cluess was in a similar situation as Johnson last year as he became the leader of a program with previously instilled talent and high expectations.
“Fairfield is a great team. In the end, it takes time in order to make the proper adjustments with a new group of players,” said Cluess
There are certainly changes the Stags will have to make down the stretch, whether it be improving their three-point shooting percentage (they were 5-21 from beyond the arc in the loss), or playing with consistency rather than random spurts of momentum.
“We aren’t able to sneak up on anybody and it’s up to us to be prepared to meet the challenge game by game,” said Johnson.
Fairfield continues their home stretch of games on Sunday when they take on Marist at 1 p.m. at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport.
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