Needham’s 27 leads Fairfield over Rider 65-57

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. (AP) — Derek Needham scored 27 points to lead Fairfield over Rider 65-57 on Monday night.

Needham was 7 of 12 from the field, including 6 of 10 from 3-point range. He also made 7 of 12 free throws as the Stags (13-4, 6-1 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) won for the 12th time in their last 13 games.

Tied 51-51 with 5:30 left, Fairfield scored on back-to-back jumpers before Novar Gadson brought Rider within 55-53 on a layup with 3:03 to play.

Needham then hit a 3-pointer and the Stags went 7 of 8 from the free-throw line the rest of the way to seal it.

Needham also had five assists as Fairfield finished with 16, compared to 13 by the Broncs.

Maurice Barrow added 11 points and 13 rebounds for Fairfield.

Gadson finished with 17 points and Justin Robinson added 12 for the Broncs (12-7, 4-3). Danny Stewart chipped in 11 rebounds for Rider.