By Joe Budzelek
First, it was Iona’s press.
Next, Marist’s pressure on the perimeter.
And now, Saint Peter’s turnover-centric, halfcourt toughness is the last idiosyncratic defense that stands as the last roadblock to the Fairfield Stags and their journey to their first MAAC Championship since 1997.
A late off-season coaching change and early season injuries to portal additions Alexis Yetna and Birima Seck were major factors to Fairfield’s 1-6 start but head coach Chris Casey, whose interim tag was removed earlier this week, has done an impeccable job leading the Stags to a 21-5 record since their slow early-season start.
As shared earlier this week on the College Hoops Chat with Jim Maisano, the Stags’ ability to win in a variety of ways was the main reason why Fairfield was picked to win the MAAC tournament and while statistically, Fairfield plays with the fastest offensive pace in the conference, veteran guards Caleb Fields and Jalen Leach have helped the Stags navigate the slower pace of both tournament wins.
The Stags have combined to score an uncharacteristically low total of 133 points in their first two tournament games, but Fields and Leach have combined to score 60% of the team’s scoring, further proving that strong guard play is paramount in March.
This season, Fairfield has won both matchups against Saint Peter’s, but last month’s matchup at the Yanitelli Center was a dangerously close game due to both teams combining to give up 33 turnovers in the glacially-paced game with impressive shooting from both teams.
A major factor in that game was the absence of Brycen Goodine and the improved health of Alexis Yetna.
Simply put, between Fields, Leach, Goodine and Jasper Floyd, the Stags boast the deepest herd of guards, which is essential as their poise, handle, vision and shooting helps navigate overpursuing teams like the Peacocks as either guard is capable of breaking out and carrying the offense.
Making his season debut in early February, grad transfer forward Alexis Yetna has provided the Stags with a major boost in the frontcourt as the Parisian is now finally healthy after missing the previous 23 months recovering from a knee injury. Initially easing his way into playing time, Yetna has now played at least 27 minutes in each of the last three games, averaging 8.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks in that span. One of the few bugaboos for Fairfield is their team rebounding, so Yetna’s strength and nose for the ball under the boards will be key tonight, especially against Saint Peter’s, a team where its best offense sometimes comes from putbacks off missed shot attempts. Just ask Mouhamed Sow, last night’s breakout star whose season-high 16 points finished the game with an exclamation point as his last-second putback secured Saint Peter’s semifinal victory over Quinnipiac.
With their impeccable guard play, Fairfield enters tonight with a clear advantage as Saint Peter’s halfcourt defense is not as strong when their opponents move the ball effectively and have multiple shooters who can make open shots. When the pace slows down, opportunities will be limited under the basket, so Yetna’s extended range will be essential to opening up space and forcing Saint Peter’s center rotation – as Michael Houge, Mouhamed Sow and Stephon Roberts are all dangerous rim protectors – away from where they are most effective on defense.
That being said, with an expected slow pace and Saint Peter’s strength under the boards, expect a hard-fought and close game to the finish.
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