GAME NOTES: The red-hot Red Foxes of Marist will try to continue their strong play when they host the Fairfield Stags this afternoon in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference battle at the McCann Center. After posting a small two- game winning streak, the Stags stumbled the last time they were on the floor, losing to Loyola-Maryland, 67-63. The Stags have played better on the road this season than at home. In fact, four of the teams five victories have come on opponents' floors. Next up for Fairfield will be a road game against Iona, followed by three consecutive home matchups. As for the Red Foxes, they have won four straight contests, including a convincing, 86-71 win over Saint Peter's this past Friday. The Red Foxes are an impressive 5-0 at home this season, and since the 2005-06 season, the team is an outstanding 24-2 at the McCann Center. Marist is 4-1 in MAAC action this season and that is good enough for a first place tie with Siena. Marist won both matchups against Fairfield this past season to even the all-time series against the Stags at 18 apiece.

The main issue for the Stags this season has been their inability to perform offensively, as the squad is averaging just 62.9 ppg, while shooting a mere 40.9 percent from the floor. Jonathan Han is the only player netting double figures for Fairfield, as the guard is posting 11.5 ppg. Greg Nero is second on the team with 9.7 ppg, and is also collecting 4.8 rpg. The last time Fairfield was on the floor, the team suffered a four-point loss to Loyola. In the setback, the Stags shot just 40.0 percent, and lost the battle on the glass, 34-29. Herbie Allen was the only player in double figures for Fairfield, as the guard posted 23 points. As for Han, he finished the game with only nine points, but did dish out six assists.

The Red Foxes exploded the last time they were on the court, scoring 86 points en route to a 15-point win over Saint Peter's. In the victory, the Red Foxes shot a sizzling 53.3 percent from the floor and made 11-of-25 attempts from behind the arc. Jay Gavin led the way with 21 points and seven rebounds, while Spongy Benjamin and Louie McCroskey added 13 and 12 points, respectively. McCroskey has been the top performer for Marist throughout most of the season and comes into this game netting 12.9 ppg to go along with 6.0 rpg. As for Gavin, he has yet to start a game this year, but is still second on the squad with 12.4 ppg. Despite the impressive display against Saint Peter's, the Red Foxes have still struggled, netting just 69.3 ppg, while shooting 45.6 percent from the field.

Marist should continue its hot play this afternoon against Fairfield. The Red Foxes have been play "lights out" lately and should remain perfect at home.