Game analysis: A mere seven points separated Canisius from first-place Fairfield but the difference was rebounding and a lengthy scoring draught which spelled doom for the Golden Griffins in their 67-60 loss to the Stags on Friday.
How Canisius lost: The Griffs were outrebounded 45-30 overall, including 18 offensive rebounds. Factor in a nine-minute scoring draught in the second half and it adds up to the team’s 10th loss of the season.
Turning point: After Chris Manhertz scored on a layup with 11:37 left in the game, the Griffs didn’t score again until Tomas Vazquez-Simmons converted a layup with 2:26 remaining. Canisius was outscored 12-2 during the run and didn’t come any closer than five points for the rest of the game.
Player of the game: Fairfield’s Derek Needham scored 19 points and was the only Stag to make a three-pointer (4 of 6). But he also had six turnovers.
Stat of the game: Canisius finished with six blocked shots, including three by Elton Frazier.
He said it: “He looked like Pete Maravich the other night against Siena. He was ballin’. ’’ – Fairfield coach Ed Cooley on Canisius point guard Gaby Belardo.
What it means: Canisius is now 2-6 in the MAAC, in sole possession of eighth place and five games out of first.
In the house: 1,353 at the Koessler Center.
Next up: vs. second place Iona, who defeated Niagara Friday night, at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Koessler Center.
---Rodney McKissic
(www.twitter.com/rodneyjmckissic)
tagged
Big 4 | Canisius | College basketball | Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference | Mid-Majors
