Here are some leftover quotes from players and coaches after Fairfield beat Rider 65-63 on Saturday afternoon at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass: From Fairfield coach Sydney Johnson On beating Rider: “I’m thrilled to be along side these guys and be a part of a really gutsy win. We’ve had a few of them  Read More

This week’s Sit Down with Sydney was held at Garden Catering (they make great chicken nuggets) on Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield. Among the topics I covered with Fairfield coach Sydney Johnson: a heavy dose of Derek Needham’s injury and moving on without him, the MAAC Tournament, Desmond Wade and the backcourt’s roles without Needham.

Swapped texts with Fairfield coach Sydney Johnson after Sunday’s loss to Rider. He said an update on Needham’s status will come Monday. The MAAC has a media session slated for noon to announced the all-conference men’s and women’s team. Johnson is scheduled to talk on the conference call and I also will meet with him  Read More

First off, I hope to have an update on Derek Needham’s status later today. The junior guard injured his left foot in the first half of Friday’s 77-72 loss to Iona and never returned. He spent the second half in street clothes after returning from the locker room on crutches. One team source said after  Read More

Tom Moore and Howie Dickenman should expect a little something extra in their Christmas stockings this year courtesy of Dave Bike. With the help of Moore’s Quinnipiac Bobcats and Dickenman’s Central Connecticut State Blue Devils on Thursday night, the Sacred Heart Pioneers are back in the Northeast Tournament for the first time in three years.  Read More

Fairfield fans planning to attending Friday night’s game vs. Iona in New Rochelle, N.Y. better arrive early – and might want to buy tickets fast, if there are any left. Associate AD Brian Beyrer says the Gaels are expecting a huge turnout for the MAAC showdown between the first-place Gaels (22-6, 13-3 MAAC) and the  Read More

This week’s chat with Fairfield men’s basketball coach Sydney Johnson includes the Stags’ final two regular-season games, positioning for the postseason, why the Stags are so good on defense, Dez Wade’s status (I bet he plays Friday) and Linsanity.