EDISON, NJ (Dec. 4, 2021) – Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) men’s basketball league action continued on Friday night with five conference matchups. Iona improved to 2-0 to take sole possession of first place on the standings, while Fairfield, Manhattan, Monmouth, and Saint Peter’s each won their respective league openers.
 
Fairfield (4-3, 1-0 MAAC) – 74 | Canisius (2-6, 0-1 MAAC) – 68
Koessler Athletic Center | BUFFALO, NY
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Fairfield Recap
Canisius Recap
 
Fairfield edged Canisius 74-68 on the road behind a 13-1 run at the beginning of the second half. Jesus Cruz (16) and Caleb Green (14) led a trio of Stags in scoring to secure the win. The Griffs also had three score in double figures led by Armon Harried (18) and Jordan Henderson (16).
 
Iona (8-2, 2-0 MAAC) – 80 | Rider (3-7, 0-1 MAAC) – 54
Hynes Athletics Center | NEW ROCHELLE, NY
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Iona Recap
Rider Recap
 
Iona used runs of 12-0 and 10-0 in the first half to ultimately defeat Rider 80-54 at the Hynes Center on Friday. Nelly Junior Joseph recorded his fourth double-double of the season, leading the Gaels with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Dylan van Eyck followed with 14 points. Rider was led Jaelen McGlone’s 11 points.
 
Manhattan (6-1, 1-0 MAAC) – 77 | Siena (2-6, 0-1 MAAC) – 72 OT
Times Union Center | ALBANY, NY
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Manhattan Recap
Siena Recap
 
Manhattan erased a 13-point second half deficit, to force overtime at Siena, before pulling away with a 77-72 win. Ant Nelson hit the game-tying three with three seconds left in regulation to force overtime and finished with a game-high 24 points, while Jose Perez also surpassed 20 points, pouring in 23 for the Jaspers. Siena’s Aidan Carpenter and Colby Rogers tallied 12 points apiece to lead the Saints.
 
Monmouth (6-1, 1-0 MAAC) – 57 | Niagara (3-4, 0-1 MAAC) – 49
Gallagher Center | NIAGARA UNIV., NY
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Monmouth Recap
Niagara Recap
 
A 20-4 run to open the second half lifted Monmouth to a 57-49 road victory over Niagara on Friday. Three Hawks anchored Monmouth’s scoring offense in George Papas (14), Shavar Reynolds (13), and Marcus McClary (12). Marcus Hammond was the Purple Eagles leading scorer with 11 points and Justin Roberts added 10 points for Niagara.
 
Saint Peter’s (2-3, 1-0 MAAC) – 69 | Quinnipiac (3-4, 0-1 MAAC) – 59
People’s United Center | HAMDEN, CT
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Box Score (PDF)
Saint Peter’s Recap
Quinnipiac Recap
 
Saint Peter’s jumped out to an 11-0 start following the opening tip and never relinquished the lead in a 69-59 win at Quinnipiac. The Peacocks used a balanced attack, with four players in double-figures; KC Ndefo (16), Daryl Banks III (15), Fousseyni Drame (13), and Doug Edert (13). Quinnipiac’s Matt Balanc led all scorers with a game-high 20 points and Kevin Marfo chipped in 12 points and a season-high 20 rebounds to tally his fourth double-double of the season.
 
The 2021-22 campaign culminates with the 2022 Hercules Tires MAAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships from March 8-12 at Atlantic City's Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. Stay up to date with all MAAC basketball by visiting MAACSports.com/basketball and by following @MAACHoops and #MAACHoops on Twitter. The road to AC!
 
About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference:
With 11 institutions strongly bound by the sound principles of quality and integrity in academics and excellence in athletics, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) is in its 41st year of competition during the 2021-22 academic year. Current conference members include: Canisius College, Fairfield University, Iona College, Manhattan College, Marist College, Monmouth University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Saint Peter’s University, and Siena College.
 
Stay up to date with the MAAC on social media by following @MAACSports on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or visit MAACSports.com for all the latest MAAC news.