The Fairfield Stags finished off their year in disappointing fashion, as they lost in the first round of Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament to St. Peter’s. The Stags struggled to score as they finished with only 33 points in the game as the Peacocks took the win 63-33.
As the game began, freshman guard Tyler Nelson came out hot as he scored the first five points for the Stags. Shortly after Nelson’s first five, St. Peter’s offense erupted, as they went on 22-2 run to close the half. St. Peter’s senior forward Tyler Gaskin started the run for the Peacocks with a layup followed by Desi Washington’s four consecutive points. To finish it off, St. Peter’s Quadir Welton scored the next six consecutive points.
The Peacocks did a great job of playing defense and forcing turnovers as the Stags finished the half shooting just under 10% and committing seven turnovers. The Stags finished the half with just 7 points, all points coming off the hands of Nelson.
In the second half, the defensive woes continued for the Stags as St.Peter’s started the half on another run. The Peacocks started a 12-0 run lead by both Gaskin and senior forward Kris Rolle. The score stood at 39-11 with less than 12 minutes remaining in the game.
The Stags offense improved, as they were able to knock down more shots. Six Stags posted points for the team in the second half as they continued to match the Peacocks point for point for the remainder of the half. Marcus Gilbert who failed to score in the first half, finished with a game high 12 points on 2-9 shooting from the field. Despite the change in Fairfield’s offensive play, the margin was too big of a mountain to climb for the Stags. For the second consecutive year, St. Peter’s finished out the game on top as the season came to an end for the Stags in the opening round of the MAAC tournament.
With the victory against the Stags, St .Peter’s advanced to face Rider in the quarterfinals, whom they defeated 68-59. During the semifinals, the Peacocks took on the defending MAAC Champions, Manhattan College. St. Peter’s fell short as they lost to the Manhattan 65-48 who eventually defeated Iona to become the 2015 MAAC Men’s Basketball Champions.
Leave a Reply