Fairfield needs overtime to hold off Sacred Heart, 83-79

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) Tyler Nelson and Jerry Johnson Jr. each scored 16 points and Fairfield converted seven of eight from the line in overtime to hold off Sacred Heart, 83-79 Saturday night for its first win in its home debut.

Marcus Gilbert knocked down a 3-pointer with 3:07 left in regulation to give the Stags (1-3) a 72-68 lead, but it was the last points Fairfield would score until overtime. Tevin Falzon hit a 3-pointer with 2:21 left to pull Sacred Heart within one and Jordan Allen hit the second of two free throws to tie the game with 1:46 left to force an extra period.

Jonathan Kasibabu and Jerome Segura both hit layups, and Johnson made a pair of free throws as Fairfield opened overtime with a 6-1 run.

Segura finished with 15 points, and Gilbert and Kasibabu each added 12 for Fairfield.

Cane Broome led Sacred Heart (1-3) with 18 points.