SAINT PETER’S VS FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) men’s basketball tournament, the fifth-seeded Saint Peter’s Peacocks overcame a halftime deficit to defeat the second-seeded Fairfield Stags 68–63, securing their fifth MAAC title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. 

The championship game, held on March 16 at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, saw Fairfield leading 32–25 at halftime. However, Saint Peter’s mounted a comeback in the second half, outscoring the Stags 43–31. Corey Washington led the Peacocks with 24 points, 20 of which came in the second half, propelling the team to victory. 

Fairfield’s Caleb Fields and Jalen Leach were named to the MAAC All-Championship Team for their performances throughout the tournament. 

This victory marked Saint Peter’s second MAAC championship in three seasons, following their 2022 title. Under the leadership of second-year head coach Bashir Mason, the Peacocks finished the season with a 19–14 record and earned a No. 15 seed in the NCAA Tournament, where they will face the No. 2 seed Tennessee Volunteers in the first round.