Fairfield University Basketball has announced the 2020-21 season openers for both the men’s and women’s Stags programs. The clubs will begin their respective campaigns on Wednesday, Nov. 25.

The second season for Head Coach Jay Young opens on the road at Providence College, where the Stags will challenge the Friars. The toughest defense in the MAAC last season, ceding only 62.9 points per game, Fairfield will be led by seniors Taj Benning ’21 and Jesus Cruz ’21 this season.

Former Stags’ Head Coach Ed Cooley guides a Providence team that went 19-12 overall and 12-6 in the Big East last season. The Friars were widely considered to be a potential NCAA Tournament qualifier at the close of the 2019-20 campaign.

Fairfield Women’s Basketball will open its season on Nov. 25 on George Bisacca Court at Alumni Hall against crosstown foe Sacred Heart. Head Coach Joe Frager is in his 14th season at the helm of the Stags. Fairfield placed third in the MAAC last season and reached the MAAC Championship semifinals prior to the cancellation of the tournament. Katie Armstrong ’20, Rachel Hakes ’22, and MAAC Preseason Player of the Year Lou Lopez-Senechal ’22 will serve as tri-captains of this year’s squad.

The Sacred Heart Pioneers also reached the semifinals of their conference tournament prior to its cancellation last March. The Stags and Pioneers will be meeting for the first time since 2016.

As determined by the MAAC Basketball Working Group, there will be no spectators in attendance at any game hosted by a MAAC member prior to Dec. 23. At that time, both the MAAC and Fairfield University will reassess this policy in conjunction with local, state, federal, and institutional guidelines.

To help provide a home court advantage for the Stags, fans can purchase Stag Cutouts to fill the bleachers at Alumni Hall this season.