Sometimes all it takes is one right to make good for many wrongs.
Derek Needham ’13 hit a long three pointer with 8 seconds left to save the Fairfield Men’s Basketball team from an upset bid by the Manhattan Jaspers last Friday night at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard by a 61-59 tally.
The Stags struggled against a team many thought would not seriously challenge the MAAC’s number one team this season. However, in the end, the point guard and talismanic sophomore Needham hit the big shot when it mattered, and also led the Stags with 16 points on the night.
The Stags took an early lead but were never able to settle into a comfortable “cruise control” distance throughout the night. Manhattan used some stingy defense and timely hooping of its own to stay within an arm’s reach throughout.
In fact, the ninth place team in the MAAC from New York City took a 28-25 advantage into the locker room.
The second half featured numerous ties and lead changes throughout. Swingman Yorel Hawkins ‘11 fueled the charge throughout the second half with some relentless rebounding. But the game was still hanging in the balance as the final seconds ticked away.
On a broken play, Needham drilled a fall away three “from the parking lot” and the Stags were able to hold on to secure the victory and their place atop the MAAC standings.
The Fairfield students gave a rare impressive showing as a new floor seating section was unveiled. A continued loud and boisterous presence from the “Red Sea” will go a long way in helping the Stags on their home court, especially at the MAAC tournament March 4-7.
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