Alvarez makes late layup, Fairfield beats Bucknell 60-58
LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Neftali Alvarez scored 16 points, including a go-ahead layup with three seconds left and Fairfield held on for a 60-58 season-opening win over Bucknell on Saturday night.
Landon Taliaferro added 10 points and Jesus Cruz scored 10 for the Stags.
Bucknell used an 11-4 run over nearly eight minutes that tied it at 58-all when Kimbal Mackenzie made a layup with nine seconds left but Alvarez went coast-to-coast for the winner. Jimmy Sotos missed a potential winning runner from 30-feet at the buzzer.
Fairfield never trailed and led 38-28 at the break but Bucknell trimmed its deficit to three midway through the second half, and Mackenzie's late layup tied for the first time since 2-2.
Fairfield (1-1) made 14-of-17 free throws. Bucknell (1-1) hit just 13 of 22 and was just 5-of-21 shooting from 3-point range.
Mackenzie led the Bison with 15 points. Paul Newman added 12 points, seven rebounds and four blocks -- all career highs.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Dwayne Gladden
- Dennis Allocco
- Joseph Palacz
2024-25 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac | 7-1 | - | 11-8 |
| Marist | 6-1 | 0.5 | 13-3 |
| Merrimack | 6-1 | 0.5 | 9-9 |
| Mount St. Mary's | 4-3 | 2.5 | 11-7 |
| Manhattan | 3-4 | 3.5 | 8-8 |
| Siena | 3-4 | 3.5 | 8-10 |
| Fairfield | 3-4 | 3.5 | 7-11 |
| Rider | 3-4 | 3.5 | 7-11 |
| Iona | 3-4 | 3.5 | 6-12 |
| Saint Peter's | 2-5 | 4.5 | 7-8 |
| Niagara | 2-5 | 4.5 | 7-11 |
| Sacred Heart | 2-5 | 4.5 | 6-12 |
| Canisius | 2-5 | 4.5 | 2-16 |
2024-25 Patriot League Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colgate | 6-1 | - | 9-11 |
| Army | 4-2 | 1.5 | 10-8 |
| American University | 4-2 | 1.5 | 10-9 |
| Bucknell | 4-3 | 2 | 8-12 |
| Boston University | 3-3 | 2.5 | 9-10 |
| Loyola Maryland | 3-3 | 2.5 | 8-9 |
| Holy Cross | 2-4 | 3.5 | 10-9 |
| Lafayette | 2-4 | 3.5 | 7-12 |
| Navy | 2-4 | 3.5 | 5-14 |
| Lehigh | 1-5 | 4.5 | 6-11 |
Men's College Basketball News
