FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Jesus Cruz came off the bench to score 21 points and grab seven rebounds to help Fairfield defeat Canisius 63-55.
Cruz sank just 4 of 14 shots from the floor, but he was 13 of 13 at the free-throw line for the Stags (8-11, 4-4 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference).
Malik Johnson paced the Golden Griffins (8-12, 3-6) with 17 points on 8-of-14 shooting. He added five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Its the second straight loss for Canisius after their winning streak was snapped at three Friday night.
In Jersey City, New Jersey Niagara lost to St. Peter's. Hassan Drame scored 10 points with 10 rebounds off the bench and Saint Peter's beat Niagara 58-53.
Matthew Lee led the Peacocks with 13 points. Quinn Taylor added seven rebounds. St. Peter's scored 25 points in the second half, a season low for the team.
Greg Kuakumensah had 13 points for the Purple Eagles. Justin Roberts and Raheem Solomon each scored 10. James Towns, whose 12 points per game entering the contest ranked second on the Purple Eagles, failed to make a shot from the floor (0 of 6).
Its the second straight loss for the Purple Eagles who had their three game winning streak snapped at Monmouth Friday night.
