Fairfield University's women's basketball team, the Stags, secured their place in the NCAA tournament by winning the MAAC Championship in a dramatic fashion. The Stags, ranked 25th nationally and holding a 31-1 record, extended their winning streak to 29 games, the second-longest active streak in Division I, trailing only South Carolina. Their journey to the championship included Game #88, a challenging match against Rider, where they came from behind to win 57-51, marking their 27th consecutive victory. The championship game saw them overcoming a 7-point deficit in the fourth quarter and an 11-point deficit at halftime against Niagara, eventually winning in overtime. This victory marks the team's first NCAA tournament appearance under coach Carly Thibault-DuDonis.
FAIRFIELD COMPLETES THE COMEBACK AND WINS THE MAAC CHAMPIONSHIP IN OVERTIME!! 29 WINS IN A ROW. 31-1 THE STAGS ARE GOING TO THE NCAA TOURNAMENT https://t.co/oTE2E87rKj
Fairfield wins the MAAC Championship 🏆 @StagsWBball From down 7 points in the 4th to winning in overtime. https://t.co/9UEasTwV6i
Down 11 at the half, Fairfield claws back in the 4th and takes down Niagara in OT to punch their ticket to the NCAA tournament for the first time under Carly Thibault-DuDonis. The Stags' 29-game win streak is the 2nd-longest active streak in DI, trailing only South Carolina
The machine rolls on. @StagsWBball has won its 27th straight, closing out Rider, 57-51. The Broncs made Fairfield earn it, though, tying the game early in the fourth quarter before a 10-0 Stag run gave the No. 25 team in the nation the lead for good. #MAACHoops
Rider is getting close to putting Fairfield on the ropes, having just tied the game at 40 with 6:48 remaining in regulation. The Stags are just a three-point loss away from being 29-0, and are ranked 25th in the country. Potential stunner in the making here in AC. #MAACHoops
In 13 years covering the MAAC, I’ve never had the chance to see a ranked team within the conference…until now. Game #88, a matinee with No. 25 @StagsWBball as Fairfield begins its postseason against @RiderWBB. #MAACHoops https://t.co/Sp9h9t4oDQ