Fairfield Edges Niagara in Nail-Biting Finish
Thursday, January 22, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Leo D. Mahoney Arena
Fairfield Stags 62, Niagara Purple Eagles 61, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Niagara Purple Eagles vs Fairfield Stags?
Fairfield Stags beat Niagara Purple Eagles 62-61 at Leo D. Mahoney Arena on January 22, 2026.
Who was favored in Niagara Purple Eagles vs Fairfield Stags?
Fairfield Stags were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -550 (about 85% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling encounter at the Leo D. Mahoney Arena, the Fairfield Stags narrowly defeated the Niagara Purple Eagles with a final score of 62-61. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the contrasting fortunes of both teams, with Fairfield holding a home record of 12-9 compared to Niagara's 5-14 away record. The Stags have been a competitive side, averaging 81.8 points scored and 71.4 points allowed over their last ten games, while Niagara has struggled, averaging just 63.4 points scored and allowing 71.0 points during the same stretch.
Fairfield entered the game on a two-game losing streak, having lost to the Siena Saints and the Marist Red Foxes in their previous outings. Despite this recent downturn, they had shown promise earlier in the season, including a dominant 98-62 victory against the Manhattan Jaspers and a solid win against Niagara just weeks prior, where they won 83-75. Their home record has been strong, with a 4-1 performance in their last five home games, averaging 78.6 points scored and allowing 73.2 points.
On the other hand, Niagara has faced difficulties, losing their last game against the Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers and winning only three of their last ten games. Their last five games reflect a dismal record of 1-4, with an average of just 63.0 points scored. The Purple Eagles have struggled particularly on the road, with a 1-5 away record in their last six games.
In their previous meetings this season, Fairfield has had the upper hand, winning both encounters against Niagara, including the earlier match this month. The Stags have proven to be a challenging opponent for the Purple Eagles, having won the last two matchups, which adds to the significance of this fixture.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but it is common for teams to deal with various player availability issues as the season progresses, which can impact performance.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had set the line with Fairfield favored by 10.5 points, indicating a strong belief in their ability to secure a win at home. The total points line was set at 139.5, with odds of -108 for the over and -112 for the under. The moneyline reflected a heavy favoritism towards Fairfield at -550, while Niagara was listed at +410.
The game conditions were not explicitly detailed in the block, but typically, indoor basketball games are played in controlled environments, which minimizes external factors like weather. This allows teams to focus on their performance without the influence of outside conditions.
As the game unfolded, it was a tense battle, with both teams exchanging leads. Key moments included Halon Rawlins hitting a crucial three-pointer to bring Niagara within striking distance and Justin Page making a driving layup to keep the game competitive. The scoring plays highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest, with both teams showing resilience and determination.
Ultimately, the Stags managed to hold on for the victory, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure, while Niagara continues to seek answers to their struggles this season. This matchup not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams but also set the stage for future encounters as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | FAIR -10.5 | 139.5 o -108 / u -112 | Niagara Purple Eagles +410 · Fairfield Stags -550 |
Leaders
- PointsBrandon Benjamin18Fairfield Stags
- AssistsBraden Sparks5Fairfield Stags
- ReboundsDeclan Wucherpfennig13Fairfield Stags
- PointsJustin Page13Niagara Purple Eagles
- AssistsReggie Prudhomme7Niagara Purple Eagles
- ReboundsJosiah Sabino7Niagara Purple Eagles
Recent form
Fairfield Stags
Last 10: 6-4Streak L281.8 scored · 71.4 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L77-85at Siena SaintsJan 19
- L67-82at Marist Red FoxesJan 17
- W98-62vs Manhattan JaspersJan 15
- W68-62vs Rider BroncsJan 10
- W83-75at Niagara Purple EaglesJan 4
- L81-85at Canisius Golden GriffinsJan 2
- L66-70vs Saint Peter's PeacocksDec 30
- W121-58vs City College NY BeaversDec 23
- W84-70at Central Connecticut Blue DevilsDec 19
- W73-65vs Monmouth HawksDec 14
Niagara Purple Eagles
Last 10: 3-7Streak L163.4 scored · 71 allowed per game1-5 away
- L58-68vs Mount St. Mary's MountaineersJan 19
- W59-54at Canisius Golden GriffinsJan 15
- L70-79at Manhattan JaspersJan 11
- L53-71at Iona GaelsJan 10
- L75-83vs Fairfield StagsJan 4
- W64-61vs Sacred Heart PioneersJan 2
- W81-58vs Houghton HighlandersDec 20
- L58-84at VCU RamsDec 16
- L73-81at Morgan State BearsDec 13
- L43-71at Saint Peter's PeacocksDec 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrimack | 23-11 | - | 17-3 |
| Saint Peter's | 17-12 | 3 | 14-6 |
| Siena | 23-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Marist | 19-12 | 5 | 12-8 |
| Quinnipiac | 19-13 | 5 | 12-8 |
| Fairfield | 21-13 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Mount St. Mary's | 15-17 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Iona | 18-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Sacred Heart | 14-19 | 8 | 9-11 |
| Manhattan | 12-20 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Canisius | 10-21 | 12 | 5-15 |
| Niagara | 8-22 | 12 | 5-15 |
| Rider | 4-25 | 14 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Niagara Purple Eagles | Fairfield Stags |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-56 | 25-61 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 7-21 | 7-24 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 29 |
| Free throws | 6-8 | 5-9 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 56 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 28 |
| Assists | 12 | 14 |
| Steals | 6 | 8 |
| Blocks | 4 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 28 |
| Fouls | 11 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 8 | 75 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half23-25Vice Zanki makes 15-foot step back jumpshot
- 1st Half23-27Braden Sparks makes driving layup
- 1st Half25-27Reggie Prudhomme makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 1st Half28-27Vice Zanki makes 25-foot three point jumper (Reggie Prudhomme assists)
- 1st Half28-28Brandon Benjamin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half30-28Justin Hawkins makes layup (Reggie Prudhomme assists)
- 1st Half30-31Braden Sparks makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tony Williams assists)
- 2nd Half30-34Declan Wucherpfennig makes 26-foot three point jumper (Braden Sparks assists)
- 2nd Half32-34Justin Page makes driving layup
- 2nd Half32-36Halon Rawlins makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half34-36Will Shortt makes 5-foot hook shot (Reggie Prudhomme assists)
- 2nd Half34-38Tony Williams makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half35-38Will Shortt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half35-40Declan Wucherpfennig makes 1-foot dunk (Brandon Benjamin assists)
- 2nd Half36-40Trenton Walters makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-40Trenton Walters makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-42Brandon Benjamin makes layup
- 2nd Half39-42Will Shortt makes layup (Justin Hawkins assists)
- 2nd Half39-44Declan Wucherpfennig makes layup (Braden Sparks assists)
- 2nd Half41-44Justin Page makes layup
- 2nd Half43-44Reggie Prudhomme makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-44Brian Griffith makes layup (Reggie Prudhomme assists)
- 2nd Half45-46Brandon Benjamin makes layup (Eric Mejia assists)
- 2nd Half45-47Brandon Benjamin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-49Brandon Benjamin makes driving layup (Braden Sparks assists)
- 2nd Half47-49Justin Page makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-49Justin Page makes layup
- 2nd Half49-50Declan Wucherpfennig makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-51Declan Wucherpfennig makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-53Declan Wucherpfennig makes 13-foot step back jumpshot (Halon Rawlins assists)
- 2nd Half51-53Will Shortt makes driving layup (Reggie Prudhomme assists)
- 2nd Half52-53Will Shortt makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half52-56Halon Rawlins makes 23-foot three point jumper (Braden Sparks assists)
- 2nd Half54-56Justin Page makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-57Braden Sparks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-57Vice Zanki makes 24-foot three point jumper (Reggie Prudhomme assists)
- 2nd Half59-57Josiah Sabino makes layup (Justin Page assists)
- 2nd Half59-59Brandon Benjamin makes layup (Halon Rawlins assists)
- 2nd Half61-59Josiah Sabino makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-62Tony Williams makes 26-foot three point jumper (Braden Sparks assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Fairfield Stags, below favours Niagara Purple Eagles.
Venue
- Leo D. Mahoney ArenaFairfield, CT
- Attendance1541
- OfficialsBrian O'Connell, Evon Burroughs, Ryan Corbett
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