Fairfield Stags vs Saint Peter's Peacocks Picks and Predictions for Friday, March 6, 2026
Use Code WWWC Fairfield faces Saint Peter’s (-1.5) at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on Friday for a MAAC Tournament Quarterfinal matchup at 9:30 PM ET on ESPN+. Fairfield has an overall record of 20-12 and finished 11-9 in MAAC play, placing sixth in the conference standings. The Stags advanced in the tournament with a 71-60 win over Manhattan on Thursday. Saint Peter’s finished the regular season 17-11 overall and 14-6 in conference play, earning the No. 2 seed and a bye into the quarterfinal round. The Peacocks closed the regular season with a 63-56 victory over Marist.
Fairfield’s Inside Presence and Balanced Scoring
Fairfield averages 74.9 points per game while allowing an average of 71.9, with a solid offense led by interior play and perimeter shooting. Guard Braden Sparks leads the offense with averages of 17.6 points and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 39.9% from three-point range and 81.2% at the free-throw line. Sparks scored 17 points in the tournament win over Manhattan and frequently carries the scoring load in half-court sets.
Forward Brandon Benjamin provides a strong presence inside with averages of 13.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while shooting 56.7% from the field. Benjamin also contributes 1.5 blocks per contest while leading Fairfield’s rebounding effort. Declan Wucherpfennig adds another frontcourt scoring option, averaging 12.3 points and grabbing 8.1 rebounds per game, giving the Stags one of the strongest rebounding units in the MAAC.
Fairfield averages 38.5 rebounds and 12.1 assists per game while committing 10.3 turnovers. In the win over Manhattan, the Stags controlled the glass and limited the Jaspers to 60 points. Fairfield’s ability to dominate the boards often creates second-chance opportunities and prevents opponents from scoring runs.
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Key Injuries - Fairfield Stags
Fairfield does not have any players listed on its injury report.
Saint Peter’s Defense and Guard Pressure
Saint Peter’s averages 71.4 points per game while allowing just 68.2, relying on a defense-first approach that has carried the Peacocks throughout the season. Guard Brent Bland leads the team with an average of 14.0 points per game while also contributing 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 steals. Bland scored 14 points in the regular-season finale against Marist and remains the primary scoring option for the Peacocks.
Bryce Eaton adds an average of 11.1 points and leads the team with 4.0 assists per game, directing the offense and creating scoring opportunities for teammates. TJ Robinson contributes 9.7 points and 2.7 assists, giving Saint Peter’s another backcourt scoring option. In the frontcourt, Lucas Scroggins averages 5.8 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 66.3% from the field and providing interior defense with 1.1 blocks per game.
Saint Peter’s averages 35.7 rebounds and 13.0 assists per game while forcing turnovers with aggressive perimeter defense. The Peacocks generate 9.1 steals per contest and often slow opposing offenses by disrupting passing lanes and controlling tempo.
Key Injuries - Saint Peter's Peacocks
Saint Peter’s does not have any players listed on its injury report.
Fairfield vs Saint Peter's Pick - Spread (St. Peter’s -1.5)
This matchup features two teams with different strengths. Fairfield has strong rebounding and inside scoring, while Saint Peter’s relies on defensive pressure and guard play. The Peacocks defeated Fairfield 83-74 in the regular-season meeting and have consistently limited opponents with disciplined half-court defense. Fairfield’s size advantage could create scoring opportunities, but Saint Peter’s defensive intensity and ability to force turnovers will allow the Peacocks to control the pace and cover the spread (-1.5) in what will prove to be a tight game from start to finish.
Fairfield vs Saint Peter's - Over/Under Pick (Under 138.5)
Fairfield plays at a moderate pace and averages nearly 75 points per game, while Saint Peter’s focuses on slowing possessions and limiting opponents’ scoring chances. Tournament games often tighten defensively, and Saint Peter’s ability to disrupt Fairfield’s offense will lower the Stags’ shooting percentages and give Fairfield fewer looks. With both teams capable on defense and Saint Peter’s typically controlling tempo, the total leans toward the under (138.5) in this quarterfinal matchup.
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