Preview: Marist Looks to Sweep Season Series at Fairfield

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (Interstat) — A key Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference matchup unfolds Saturday when the Marist Red Foxes visit the Fairfield Stags at Webster Bank Arena.

The Red Foxes (15-7, 8-3 MAAC), riding a two-game win streak, aim for a regular-season sweep after handling the Stags 82-67 in Poughkeepsie on Jan. 17. Fairfield (14-10, 7-4), coming off a home loss to Quinnipiac, seeks to protect its home court and improve its conference standing.

Marist’s success has been fueled by guard Rhyjon Blackwell, who enters averaging 16.3 points over his last three contests. He scored 10 points in the first meeting against Fairfield. The Red Foxes have shown resilience, winning tight road games, including an 88-86 overtime victory at Canisius on Jan. 30.

Fairfield counters with forward Declan Wucherpfennig, who is coming off a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double in the loss to Quinnipiac. His frontcourt presence will be critical against a Marist team that has held three of its last five opponents under 65 points. The Stags have been strong at home this season, with their last loss at Webster Bank Arena coming on Feb. 1.

In the Jan. 17 matchup, Marist used a balanced attack and held Fairfield to 38.7% shooting. The Stags will need better offensive efficiency and to capitalize on second-chance opportunities to reverse that result.

Both teams are jockeying for position in the MAAC standings with the conference tournament less than a month away. A win for Marist would solidify its hold near the top, while a Fairfield victory would tighten the race significantly.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.