Fairfield, CT – The Niagara Purple Eagles saw a late lead slip away in heartbreaking fashion, falling to Fairfield 62-61 on Thursday night at Leo D. Mahoney Arena. 

The Purple Eagles dropped to 5-14 overall and 2-7 in MAAC play, while the Stags improved to 12-9 and 4-6 in conference play.

Fairfield struck first, jumping out to an early 18-8 advantage with Josiah Sabino scoring five of his 11 points.

Niagara struck back with a 10-0 run of their own to knot the game up at 18 behind two more points from Sabino and three pointers from Justin Page and Reggie Prudhomme.

The teams traded the lead down the stretch of the first half with the Stags leading 31-30 on a last second three point shot. 

The second half maintained the end of the first half's back and forth battle with neither team being able to gain a large advantage.

The teams went back and forth with buckets until the 13:23 mark when the Purple Eagles were able to get on a six point run to gain a 45-44 lead. Page, Prudhomme and Brian Griffith all saw shots fall down.

Fairfield responded with five and four point runs of their own, that was thwarted by an and one play from Will Shortt.

A three from Vice Zanki followed by a two from Sabino gave the Purple Eagles a 59-57 lead with 2:41 remaining, but the Stags got a quick bucket to knot the game up once again.

Sabino gave Niagara hope, converting on a layup with just 1:35 remaining, but Fairfield was able to hit a late three with seven seconds remaining to take the win 62-61. 

Page took over offensively for Niagara down the stretch, scoring repeatedly on drives to the rim. His consecutive layups at 9:22 and 8:50 tied the game at 47-47 and 49-49 respectively, electrifying the small traveling contingent in attendance.

Game Notes

Niagara is now 49-40 all-time against Fairfield

Page led the Purple and White in scoring for the sixth time this season

Sabino brought down seven boards to lead Niagara for the sixth time this season

Walters got his first start since 11/22/25 against Howard

Up Next

Niagara wraps up the Connecticut road trip Saturday January 24 at noon against Sacred Heart.