Fordham pulled away in the second half to beat Fairfield, 79-62, in an exhibition at Leo D. Mahoney Arena. Peyton Smith led the Stags with 13 points in his first game action since 2025, while Halon Rawlins added 12. Fairfield’s four freshmen combined for 18 points as the team tuned up for the 2026-27 season.

By the Numbers
  • Fordham scored 47 second-half points.
  • Fairfield shot 35.7% from the field and 25% from 3-point range.
  • Fordham outrebounded Fairfield 51-29 and made 30 of 38 free throws.
  • Smith finished with 13 points and seven rebounds; Rawlins went 5-for-5 from the field.
Yes, But

Fairfield had encouraging individual performances, including Smith’s return from injury and strong debuts from newcomers. But Fordham’s rebounding edge and trips to the free-throw line proved decisive.

What’s Next

Fairfield opens its regular season Nov. 5 at home against Vermont in the America East-Metro Challenge.

Bottom Line

The exhibition offered Fairfield a look at its potential, while exposing clear areas to address before the games count: rebounding, shot-making and free-throw accuracy.