HACKENSACK, N.J. – The Fairleigh Dickinson men's basketball team dropped a 90-85 decision to Sacred Heart on Thursday night at the Stratis Arena in Hackensack.  The Knights (7-21, 2-15 NEC) were led by a 27-point, 11-assist double-double from freshman Darian Anderson.  The Pioneers improve to 14-16 on the season and 8-9 in Northeast Conference play with the victory.

The Knights trailed by four points at the half, but rallied to pull in front, 69-65, on a breakaway dunk by senior Mustafaa Jones with 11:13 left to play.  Back-to-back baskets by Pioneer freshman Cane Broome tied the game at 69-69 less than 90 seconds later, but the Knights regained the lead on a layup by graduate senior Darius Stokes just seconds later.

However, with 9:04 remaining Broome hit a three-pointer to give Sacred Heart the lead and the Pioneers would score six straight points to grab a 75-69 advantage.

FDU would answer with a three-pointer by Anderson, but the Pioneers went on another run to take an 81-74 lead with 5:14 remaining.

A steal and layup by Jones would cut the deficit to a single point with 3:03 on the clock, but Sacred Heart responded again rebuilding a six-point lead with 22 seconds remaining.

The teams would trade free throws over the final 11 seconds with Sacred Heart hanging on for the 90-85 victory.

Anderson's 27 points and 11 assists are both career-highs.  His previous high of 26 points came on January 5 against LIU Brooklyn, while his previous high of nine assist came on November 17 against FDU Florham.  He also matched his career-highs for field goals and three-point field goals made with 10 and four, respectively.  He also committed just one turnover in the game.

"Obviously, Darian Anderson had an absolutely sensational game, but I am so happy that Darius Stokes played so well in front of his Mom and Dad.  We will learn from this stretch," head coach Greg Herenda said after the game.

Anderson's 11 assists are the most for a FDU player since Sidney Sanders Jr. recorded 13 against LIU Brooklyn on January 16, 2014.  Sanders was also the last Knight to post a double-double with points and assists, he had three such games during the 2013-14 season with the last coming against CCSU on January 25, 2014.

Jones finished with 18 points and freshman Earl Potts Jr. (13) and sophomore Matt MacDonald (12) also finished in double figures.

The Knights shot 46.4% (32-69) from the floor, but Sacred Heart was 61.0% (36-59) from the field and 46.2% (6-13) from beyond the arc.  FDU was 34.6% (9-26) from long range and 75% (12-16) at the free throw line.  The Pioneers connected on just 12-of-23 (52.2%) free throw attempts.

The Pioneers dominated on the board with a 48-22 advantage on the glass.  SHU's Tevin Falzon grabbed 19 rebounds, while also scoring 17 points.

Evan Kelly led Sacred Heart with 27 points on an 11-of-14 shooting performance.  Broome also reached 20-points for SHU and finished with 23.

Stokes finished with six points, six rebound and three blocks for FDU.  His rebounds and blocks both led the Knights.

FDU committed just three turnovers in the game matching a season low, while also forcing 15 turnovers.

"I have to be honest these growing pains hurt a great deal, but I am confident that we will learn and grow from these difficult times.  Believe it or not, I know that the future is extremely bright, but right now this is extremely painful," Herenda added.

The Knights will close the regular season with a home game against Central Connecticut on Saturday afternoon.  Prior to the game Jones and Stokes will be honored as part of a senior day ceremony.