HACKENSACK, N.J. (Interstat) — Jabri Fitzpatrick scored 32 points and New Haven used a blistering first-half offensive display to build a substantial lead it never relinquished, holding off Fairleigh Dickinson 84-77 in a Northeast Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Rothman Center.

The Chargers (13-15, 9-6 NEC) shot a scorching 14 for 23 from 3-point range and 63.8% from the floor overall to win their third straight contest. The Knights (11-18, 7-8) could not overcome a 16-point halftime deficit despite a more competitive second half.

The most critical phase of the game was its opening 15 minutes, where New Haven constructed its commanding advantage. The Chargers hit their first five 3-point attempts, racing to a 24-7 lead that forced two early Fairleigh Dickinson timeouts. The offensive efficiency was staggering; New Haven scored 55 first-half points on just 24 field goal attempts, making 17, including 10 of 13 from beyond the arc.

Fitzpatrick, a guard from North Brunswick, New Jersey, was the catalyst, finishing with 32 points, four assists and three steals in 38 minutes. He was supported by Andre Pasha of Syracuse, New York, who scored 16 of his 18 points in the first half, and Kheni Briggs of Kannapolis, North Carolina, who added 18 points. Najimi George of Bridgeport, Connecticut, chipped in 11 points.

Fairleigh Dickinson, which dominated points in the paint 38-26 and had seven offensive rebounds to New Haven’s two, was led by Joey Niesman of Oswego, Illinois, who scored 24 points. Seven-foot center Cyril Martynov of Barrie, Canada, added 14 points, while Eric Parnell of Melbourne, Florida, scored 10.

The Knights slowly chipped away in the second half, using a 9-2 run to close to within 70-66 with just over three minutes remaining. A driving layup by Niesman cut the lead to four, prompting a New Haven timeout.

Out of the stoppage, the Chargers effectively sealed the game at the free-throw line. Fitzpatrick was fouled and made both free throws, and after a defensive stop, he drew another foul and split a pair to push the lead back to seven with 43 seconds left. Fairleigh Dickinson got no closer than five points the rest of the way.

New Haven’s offensive rating of 136.6 points per 100 possessions underscored its efficient night, while its defense forced nine turnovers, converting them into 18 points. The Chargers’ six assists illustrated a game built more on individual shot-making than ball movement, but the shots consistently fell, particularly in the decisive first half.

The game was a contrast in styles. Fairleigh Dickinson attempted 15 more field goals than New Haven but made one fewer, highlighting the Chargers’ superior shooting percentage. The Knights also attempted only 15 free throws, making 11, while New Haven struggled at the line, making just 10 of 20 attempts.

The victory completed a regular-season sweep for New Haven, which defeated Fairleigh Dickinson 65-55 at home on Jan. 10. The Chargers now sit in a tie for third place in the NEC standings with three games remaining.

New Haven visits Wagner on Thursday. Fairleigh Dickinson travels to face Le Moyne on the same night.

An announced crowd of 752 attended the game.