Preview of Canisius vs. Fairfield Men’s Basketball

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (Interstat) — A Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference rematch awaits on Saturday when the Fairfield Stags host the Canisius Golden Griffins at Webster Bank Arena.

Fairfield (12-9) will look to avenge an 85-81 road loss to Canisius on Jan. 2 and solidify its position in the conference standings. The Stags are coming off a narrow 62-61 home victory over Niagara on Thursday, powered by 18 points from forward Brandon Benjamin.

Canisius (8-12) seeks to end a four-game skid and replicate its earlier success against Fairfield. The Golden Griffins fell 69-66 at Sacred Heart on Thursday despite a 20-point effort from guard Kahlil Singleton.

Singleton will be the focal point for Canisius. He torched Fairfield for 37 points and five rebounds in the first meeting, a performance emblematic of his recent high-volume scoring. Over his last seven games, Singleton is averaging over 18 points per contest.

Benjamin anchors Fairfield’s frontcourt. He recorded a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds in the Jan. 2 loss at Canisius and is averaging 15.9 points over his last eight games. His interior battle with Canisius’s Myles Wilmoth, who had 15 points and two blocks Thursday, will be critical.

The Stags have been stronger defensively at home, while the Golden Griffins have struggled on the road, losing five of their last six away from Buffalo. Fairfield’s ability to contain Singleton and control the paint with Benjamin will likely dictate the tempo.

Saturday’s contest is the only scheduled meeting between the programs this regular season. Fairfield’s next game is at Iona on Jan. 30. Canisius hosts Marist on Jan. 30.