Games 16/17
Saint Peter's (9-6, 6-4 MAAC) vs. Fairfield (4-13, 4-8 MAAC)
Date: Saturday- Sunday, Feb. 13-14
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: John Moore Athletics Center, Jersey City, NJ
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GAME NOTES
Opening Tip
- Following a week that consisted of no contests due to COVID related issues within other MAAC institutions, the Saint Peter's University men's basketball team returns to the hardwood this weekend with home meetings against Fairfield University
- The games will be played on Saturday, Feb. 13 and Valentine's Day, Feb. 14 at 5pm in the John Moore Athletics Center on the campus of NJCU.
- Saint Peter's currently holds a 6-4 MAAC mark and 9-6 overall record.
- Last time out, the Peacocks swept a home series against Manhattan (Jan. 29-30), earning victories of 59-55 and 68-54, respectively.
- The two wins paired with last season's couple of victories, gave SPU its first pair of back-to-back season sweeps over the Jaspers since 2015-16 and 2016-17.
- Fousseyni Drame averaged 11.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals off the bench against Manhattan, serving as the lone Peacock to score in double-figures in both contests.
- Drame also recorded his first double-double of the campaign, posting 10 points and 10 rebounds in Saturday's win.
- The Fairfield Stags enter the set 4-8 in the MAAC and 4-13 overall.
- Following a two-week pause due to a positive COVID test amongst the program, the Stags returned to action last weekend earning a split with their in-state rival Quinnipiac.
Things to Know Before the Series
Series History
- Saint Peter's closest MAAC opponent when it relates to overall record in the all-time series is easily Fairfield, holding a slim 60-59 advantage since 1950-51.
- The Stags have also been Saint Peter's most played competitor at the MAAC tournament, having faced them in a win or go home scenario 12 times --- the teams are 6-6 against each other in those games.
- Despite the series being tight between the two sides, the Peacocks have controlled the matchup in recent years, winning 10 out of the last 15 meetings dating back to 2014.
- The two sides won on their respective home courts during last season's series, leading to a split.
- Fairfield won the first meeting of the season on Jan. 15 in Connecticut, earning a 61-51 victory.
- Saint Peter's avenged the early season defeat, snagging a 61-44 home win on Feb. 16.
- When meeting in Jersey City, the Peacocks have won six straight and haven't lost to the Stags at home since January of 2013.
Valentine's Day Games
- Since MAAC play began in the early 80's, Saint Peter's has taken the court 13 times on the holiday known as Valentine's Day.
- On Feb. 14, the Peacocks are 5-4 at home but overall the program is 6-7.
- SPU has won three straight games on the day dating back to 2016, most recently defeating Quinnipiac 84-72 in the Yanitelli Center last season.
- Saint Peter's and Fairfield have met twice before on Valentine's Day, with the Stags taking both meetings.
- Although the Peacocks dropped the previous two meetings, they have come by a combined total of three points, losing 56-54 in 1990 and 109-108 in 2006.
Jersey City Strong
- Going back to Jan. 26, 2020, the Peacocks have been unstoppable in Jersey City, whether playing at the Yanitelli Center or John Moore Athletics Center.
- Over the timespan, SPU has won 13 straight games, 12 consecutive MAAC matches, and has started this season's MAAC slate 4-0 at home.
- The 12 consecutive MAAC wins are a program record.
- The 13 overall wins are the second longest home win streak in the modern era --- the program record is 20, which occurred over three seasons from 1982-83 through 1984-85.
- The 4-0 home MAAC start is the best since the 2003-04 campaign --- that year's run along with 1987-88 ended at 5-0, while the program produced a perfect undefeated home MAAC seasons in 1983-84, going 7-0.
Next Up
- The Peacocks will remain in Jersey City for a third straight home set, hosting Marist College on Friday, Feb. 19 and Saturday, Feb. 20.
- The 2020-21 schedule, however, remains fluid and is subject to change.
