Box Score

HACKENSACK, N.J. – The Fairleigh Dickinson men's basketball team wrapped up the 2014-15 season with a 73-66 victory over Central Connecticut on Saturday afternoon at Stratis Arena.  The Knights (8-21, 3-15 NEC) were led by 16 points from freshman Marques Townes (Edison, N.J./St. Joseph (Metuchen)), while the Blue Devils' (5-26, 3-15 NEC) Matt Mobley scored a game-high 18 points.

With 11:45 left in the first half, Townes connected on a three-pointer that sparked a 20-5 run for the Knights.  The run gave FDU a 31-15 lead with just over two minutes left in the half and the Knights held off a late surge by the Blue Devils to finish the period ahead 33-21.

Townes scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds in the first half.  He was joined in double figures by classmate Earl Potts Jr. (Severn, Md./Archbishop Spalding ) who posted 10 points on four-of-seven shooting.

In the second half, FDU quickly pushed the lead back to 15 points within the first 25 seconds, but CCSU chipped away and cut the FDU lead to single-digits by the 11 minute mark.

However, the Knights answered in the form of senior Mustafaa Jones (Philadelphia, Pa./Neumann-Goretti).

After being held scoreless in the first half, Jones – FDU's all-time leader in three-pointers – connected on three three-pointers over a two and a half minute stretch to put the Knights back up by double-digits.

Jones also chipped in an assist on a three-pointer by Potts during the stretch.

Although the Blue Devils would cut their deficit to as little as six points over the final minutes of the game, FDU was able to stay in front with solid shooting at the free throw line.  Starting with junior Xavier Harris (Philadelphia, Pa./Constitution)' making two free throws with 3:09 left to play, the Knights went 13-of-16 at the line to close out the game.

Jones scored all 11 of his points in the second half.  He also dished out a team-high four assists in the contests.

Graduate student Darius Stokes (Marion, Iowa/Linn-Mar) also played well on senior day with eight points, four rebounds and four blocks in 22 minutes of action.  Stokes' points and rebounds both matched his career game-highs.

"Today was all about Mustafaa Jones (Philadelphia, Pa./Neumann-Goretti) and Darius Stokes (Marion, Iowa/Linn-Mar)," head coach Greg Herenda said after the game.  "Those two men are now part of the history of FDU basketball and our University is so much better for having them wear the Burgundy and Blue."

"The game also showed the direction our program is going in, our freshman and sophomores have grown up so much this year and they will only get better."

Townes was 6-of-11 shooting on the night, including one-of-three at the free throw line.   He also grabbed a team-high six rebounds and had a steal and an assist.

Potts finished 5-of-12 from the floor and added three rebounds, two assists and a steal.

With three threes, Jones finishes his FDU career with an all-time record of 193 made three-point field goals.

Jones finished the season with 76 made three-pointers, which paired with his 2013-14 total of 74 give him the fourth and fifth highest single-season totals in program history.

Freshman Darian Anderson (Washington, D.C./St. John's College ) recorded four steals in the game to finish with 51 on the season.  His 51 steals tie for the 10th best single-season total in program history.

The Knights shot 38.1% (24-63) from the field and 25.0% (7-28) from three.  CCSU was 40.4% (23-57) and 20.0% (4-20) from long range.  FDU connected on 18-of-23 at the line, while the Blue Devils were 16-of-27.

The Knights created 25 points off of turnovers in the game, compared to just 10 points off turnovers for CCSU.

"I said after the St. Joe's victory, 'this is going to be a special group' and even though we did not win as many games as we thought we would, I still believe that today.  These kids came to the gym every single day during a very long and difficult season and worked their tails off.  I know it's hard to see, but I see greatness and long term success in this group.  I already cannot wait for next season's first practice," Herenda added.

For more information on Fairleigh Dickinson men's basketball visit FDUKnights.com.