FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Back at home for the first time in over a month, the Sacred Heart University men's basketball couldn't slow down visiting Fairleigh Dickinson Thursday night. The Pioneers lost an 82-69Northeast Conference decision to the Knights.

Records:
Fairleigh Dickinson: 9-14, 8-9 NEC 
Sacred Heart: 8-8, 8-7 NEC

Top Performers:
Tyler Thomas (SHU): 22 points
Aaron Clarke (SHU): 11 points, 6 assists
Jahlil Jenkins (FDU): 19 points

Up Next:
The Pioneers and Knights conclude the series Friday at 7 p.m.

Of Note:
When it goes sideways for the Pioneers it typically happens at the defensive end of the court. SHU is giving up 81.8 points per game in its eight losses, compared to 68.4 in its eight victories.

A Bryce Johnson layup with 6:28 left in the first half gave the Pioneers a 30-25 lead. SHU would only score six points the rest of the half as the Knights took a 42-36 advantage into the locker room.

The visitors shot 51.6 percent during the opening half and took advantage of 10 Sacred Heart turnovers. The Pioneers stayed in the game by burying seven three pointers.

Sacred Heart's offensive woes continued to start the second half as hosts only scored three points in the first five minutes and allowed FDU to build a 55-39 advantage on an Elyjah Williams layup. 

Topping all players was SHU's Tyler Thomas as he produced a game-high 22 points. Aaron Clarke was next with 11 and Mike Sixsmith scored 11 off the bench.

Fairleigh Dickinson had four players in double figures, led by 19 from Jahlil Jenkins. The Knights were strong inside, getting 44 points in the paint which contributed to their 54.7 percent shooting.