WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) — Matt Wilson scored 19 points, John Emezie added 16 with four steals and a crucial block in the last half-minute as Army fought past Fairfield 63-60 on Saturday.
The Black Knights (4-5) saw a 57-49 advantage evaporate in two minutes as Fairfield surged to a 58-57 lead. There was still a minute left in the game, however. In that span, Emezie blocked Neftali Alvarez's drive to the hoop and, when Fairfield's Wassef Methnani grabbed the defensive rebound, Emezie stole the ball.
Jordan Fox was fouled and pushed Army ahead 60-58 at the free-throw line with 27 seconds remaining. Tommy Funk made both free throws with five seconds left, pushing the Black Knights ahead by three. Alvarez missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Methnani scored all 12 of his points in the second half, including five in the late rally to spark the Stags (2-6). Alvarez led with 14 points.
Emezie's points and steals were both season highs and Army, with 10 steals, scored 27 points off 21 Fairfield turnovers.