Looking to capitalize on a fresh start within the MAAC tournament, the Stags are ever-motivated to win it all, as they always have been.
First-year Tony Williams described the Stags’ goals for the season to The Mirror: “Just kill. Just be ourselves. Be together. Win the championship. Win it all.”
Together, the Stags wrapped up their season 19-12 overall and 11-9 in the MAAC. With notable wins to pull motivation from, such as their thrilling 92-87 win against Sacred Heart, or their recent morale-boosting 72-58 triumph over Siena at the Mahoney Arena, the Stags also have lessons to learn.
Most recently, the Stags were outmatched physically against Mount St. Mary’s, punctuating their season with a tough 69-47 loss. Head coach Chris Casey noted some of the struggles to be addressed within his team after the game.
“We’ll work on the exact same things we always do defensively, guard the ball, transition defense, ball screen defense, all those things,” Casey said.
For a team with so many new pieces, Fairfield has grown into a contender fueled by the chemistry between its veterans and newcomers.
In his second year with the Stags, senior guard Braden Sparks clocked in an average of 32.9 minutes per game, averaging 17.6 points with .418 shooting.
Meanwhile, first-years Brandon Benjamin and Declan Wucherpfennig proved themselves to be one of the most formidable frontcourt duos of the MAAC.
Wucherpfennig has earned two MAAC Rookie of the Week awards this season, posting an average of 12.3 points per game and 8.1 rebounds for the season.
Averaging a double-double (10.2 rebounds, 13.9 points), Benjamin has earned seven MAAC Rookie of the Week nods, along with a Player of the Week recognition in early February.
“We’re starting four freshmen, they’re getting thrown right to the fire, and I do that with complete confidence,” Casey said.
A key leader for the rookies, Sparks has been instrumental in their development both on and off the court.
“Kudos to Braden,” Benjamin commented. “We play with a championship mindset, especially in practice, we’re always on the same team.”
Another notable trait of this Fairfield team is how influential its bench is. The Stags are 14-1 when sixth man and graduate guard Deuce Turner scores 10 or more points.
On Thursday night, the Stags are set to face No. 10 seed, Manhattan University, who they have a 1-1 record against. Last time out against the Jaspers, the Stags had their largest MAAC win in program history and won 98-62 at home. Since then, the Jaspers worked their way to a 12-19, 8-12 MAAC record.
Junior Jaden Winston leads the Jaspers offensively, posting a 15.3 points-per-game average and tallying up 474 total points this season. Against Fairfield, the guard has averaged 16.5 points on .500 shooting. Another possible threat comes in the form of sophomore Fraser Roxburgh, who shot .391 from the floor and averaged 11.5 points against Fairfield.
If successful against the Jaspers, the Stags will move on to face No. 2 Saint Peter’s on Friday at 8:30 p.m. The Stags are 7-1 when facing an opponent for the second time this season, with the Peacocks being the only loss.
Last time out against the Stags, the Peacocks were led by redshirt senior guard Brent Bland, who finished the season with 14 points per game on .389 shooting and 10 total blocks. As a unit, they got the best of Fairfield, particularly due to points off turnovers. In the regular season, they boast an average of 15.9 points off turnovers.
Casey emphasized the fresh mindset his team needs for the upcoming tournament following Sunday’s loss. “We approach it with the right attitude, and you get better. We’ll respond as well as we have done the entire year.”
All MAAC tournament games will be broadcast live from Atlantic City on ESPN+.
Tip-off against Manhattan on Thursday is at 8:30 p.m. If the Stags advance, they will face Saint Peter’s on Friday at 8:30 p.m.
The MAAC Championship game will be at 9:00 p.m. Tuesday night on ESPN2.
