After starting the season at 0-3, the Fairfield men’s basketball team looked to earn their first victory of the regular season when cross-town rival Sacred Heart visited Webster Bank Arena for a battle of Fairfield County. In an overtime thriller, the Stags were able to run away with the 83-79 home win.
Freshman Jerry Johnson, Jr. came off the bench to add 16 points, knocking a few threes and playing solid defense. Jerry Johnson, Jr. was a pivotal part to the team’s win, and when asked about the shooting guard, head coach Sydney Johnson said, “I really believe in the kid. He’s been raised by a great family, came out of a very good basketball program last year as a post-graduate. He can shoot the ball, that’s something that we really enjoy, having guys who can make shots. I think his toughness, his upbringing and that skill set of being able to shoot the ball is a welcome addition to the program.”
The start to the game saw the Pioneers jump out to an early lead as they started the game 13-0, connecting on their first five shots. Nine of Sacred Heart’s first 13 points came from beyond the three-point line. Fairfield answered with a run of their own, holding the Pioneers scoreless while they scored 14 straight points to take the lead. The 14-0 run saw Tyler Nelson ’18 score six points and Jerry Johnson, Jr. connecting on a three-pointer off a fast break to give the Stags the one point lead 14-13 just five minutes into the game.
The next 10 minutes in the half saw both teams battling as the game score was tied four times and saw five lead changes. Tied at 28 with just six minutes left in the first half, Fairfield looked to break open the game.
The Stags began to attack the rim, scoring six of their next 12 from the paint. Sacred Heart’s last points came with a little over two minutes left in the half on a free throw attempt from Quincy McKnight. Fairfield’s offense exploded increasing their lead to nine at the conclusion of the half up 45-34.
After one half of play, Fairfield held the rebounding edge to the Pioneers 26-12. “One of my coaches said we’re learning fast — that’s really fun and that’s when you know you have a basketball team. Rebounding was an issue for us in game one, but now in the last two games, we’ve outrebounded our opponents — that’s growth, that’s maturity. I think the resilience has shown up, but we’re just learning fast,” said Sydney Johnson.
The Stags also finished the half with a total of 11 assists. “Ball movement is great, because if you don’t have ball movement you can’t make a team’s defense work. If your defense doesn’t work, they’re going to have a lot of energy to get steals and stops,” said Jerry Johnson, Jr.
Fairfield struggled to start the second half of play as they went on a scoring drought, making their first basket five minutes into the half. While Fairfield struggled to score, the Pioneers battled to cut the lead down to three 45-42. But luckily for the Stags, both Jerome Segura ’18 and Jerry Johnson, Jr. enjoyed success from the field. Segura dished off a few assists to find both Jerry Johnson, Jr. and Nelson open from beyond the arc. Segura also added a few points as he made his way to the rim for contested layups.
“I think a lot of that had to do with Jerome Segura. He’s a big time leader for us. Just getting out in transition and pushing the ball and getting other guys shots. I felt we fed off each other. Jerry [Johnson Jr.] made some big shots as well. I think we followed Jerome and he was key to getting us going,” said Sydney Johnson.
The Stags now held a 10-point lead with less than 10 minutes remaining in the game, but once again the Pioneers’ offense found its groove, battling back to tie the game with less than five minutes left in the game. “We relaxed, [and] they kept fighting. I thought we relaxed and that’s something we can certainly learn from. I just love that even after relaxing, we never quit,” said Sydney Johnson. Tied at 72, Sacred Heart had the final possession and none other than Cane Broome, who finished the game with 18 points, had the ball in his hand. But after heavy pressure, the Stags were able to force a turnover to push the game to overtime.
Overtime belonged to the Stags as Sacred Heart struggled to knock down shots. Fairfield took advantage and opened up the lead and continued to play great defense to take home the 83-70 victory for their first victory on the season. For Fairfield, five players scored in double figures, including 12 from both Jonathan Kasibabu ’19 and Marcus Gilbert ’16, 16 apiece for both Jerry Johnson, Jr. and Nelson; and Segura added 15. Fairfield’s next game is on Friday, Dec. 18 as the Stags defend their home court against Wagner University.
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