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Fairfield’s Deon Perry Sinks Buzzer-Beater from 70 Feet to Clinch Victory Over Marist
In a stunning display of skill and composure, Fairfield guard Deon Perry delivered a thrilling game-winning shot from nearly 70 feet away, clinching an exhilarating victory over rival Marist on Thursday night.
Clutch Moments at Leo D. Mahoney Arena
The match unfolded at Leo D. Mahoney Arena, where the intense rivalry between Fairfield and Marist reached its zenith. With the score level at 56-56 and only 1.1 seconds left in regulation, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.
Michael Rogan, tasked with inbounds play from beneath his basket, sought a desperate solution to avoid overtime. In a moment that would soon be etched into the memories of fans, he found Perry.
A Shot to Remember
Perry sprinted back towards Rogan, receiving the ball in a near-full sprint. With a quick dribble and an unwavering focus, he launched a remarkable shot from just shy of the half-court line.
As the ball soared through the air, spectators held their breath. The shot, dubbed a ‘prayer,’ found nothing but net, sending the arena into a frenzy of jubilation.
Team Euphoria and Crowd Reaction
Immediately after the buzzer, pandemonium erupted. Teammates swarmed Perry, lifting him high in celebration as fans rushed onto the court in sheer ecstasy. The referees struggled to restore order amidst the chaos, blowing their whistles frantically.
This climactic finish capped off a rollercoaster game characterized by intense competition and changing leads, featuring 11 ties and 10 lead changes throughout the matchup.
Perry’s Impact on the Game
Despite only playing 19 minutes, Perry was the standout player for the Stags, concluding the game with 19 points on 6-of-14 shooting. Notably, he was the only Fairfield player to reach double figures.
Alongside Perry, Jamie Bergens and Prophet Johnson contributed nine points each, while Peyton Smith added eight points, helping secure the 59-56 victory.
Marist’s Response to Defeat
Marist’s Josh Pascarelli and Jadin Collins-Roberts led the scoring efforts for their team, with Pascarelli netting 15 points and Collins-Roberts contributing 10. This loss marked only the second defeat for the Red Foxes in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play this season.
Following this heartbreaking loss, Marist fell to 16-4 overall with a record of 9-2 in conference play. They are poised to bounce back as they prepare to face Iona on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.
Looking Ahead
On the other hand, Fairfield improved to 9-14 overall and 5-7 in the MAAC. The team aims to maintain their momentum when they compete against cross-town rival Sacred Heart, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday.
This thrilling showdown not only showcased the intense rivalry of MAAC basketball but also highlighted the emerging talents of players like Deon Perry, setting the stage for more exciting matchups in the future.
