Pre-game Notes: FU/Loyola MAAC Quarterfinals

Some things to think about before the game:

• Senior guard Michael Van Schaick is playing unreal of late - finishing with at leaast 20 points in four of the team's final six games, including a heroic 25 point effort against St. Peter's six days ago to salvage a season finale victory. If the Stags are going anywhere in this tourney, it's gotta come from Van Schaick.
• The Stags sport a paltry 11-14 in MAAC opening round games. Luckily for them, they have one six straight games in the quarterfinals following a first round bye.
• The Stags' big men are a little bit beat up to say the least - Marty O'Sullivan's ankle injury is slowly healing, but it's doubtful he is at 100%. In addition to having his elbow wrapped up, Greg Nero's hip has still gotta be hurting. As if that's not enough, Anthony Johnson is recovering from a bout with the flu. Something to keep any eye on.
• Gerald Brown, the small forward for Loyola, is one of the best players in this conference. Despite two off nights against the Stags this year (13 and 12, respectively), sits at sixth place scoring among mid-major teams. He is averaging 22 points per game and 5 rebound. It's likely the Stags will match up Devin Johnson with him. Definitely a match-up to watch.
• In Fairfield history, a quarterfinals win has led to a conference championship five out of eight times. Tom adds: "1987, 1997, 2007?" Who says we can't dream?
  

Stay tuned for some gloggin'!

- Keith Connors