CT Post - Trust me, SHU getting closer to success -- Fairfield Stags Hoops Forum

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Date Posted: 09:16:52am 12/06/05 Tue,
Author: JoeStag
Subject: CT Post - Trust me, SHU getting closer to success

Casavant thinks that SHU has got some players, and they have a replacement for Trim with Savloski for next year. The will have to show it with W-L's.

I know some people on this board have gone to SHU games...... so have they improved, and if so if they played in the MAAC what would be their record????

IMO, the best thing that can happen for Fairfield is that SHU gets good for about 5 years in a row and wins some NEC titles. We get back to our 19 win seasons or better, and win some MAAC Championships..... and then we end up in the same league.

http://www.connpost.com/chriscasavant/ci_3282830

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Replies:

[> Re: CT Post - Trust me, SHU getting closer to success -- Champ, 10:22:40am 12/06/05 Tue, [1]

"Big Deli" is exactly the type of player we needed to fill our inside void. I wonder if TOT and staff checked him out or were even aware that he was looking for a home.

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[> Re: CT Post - Trust me, SHU getting closer to success -- Pitt Stag Fan, 10:23:54am 12/06/05 Tue, [1]

Joe, I would be happy with just the second part of your stateemnt "We get back to our 19 win seasons or better, and win some MAAC Championships".

I have absolutely nothing against SHU and wish them all the best, hope they do win some championships. But dont see how them joining the MAAC would be a good thing for the Stags? I am suprised to hear you say that.A Holy Cross or Fordham rejoining the MAAC would be a good thing for the MAAC and the stags.

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[> Re: CT Post - Trust me, SHU getting closer to success -- NEC fan, 10:58:43am 12/06/05 Tue, [1]

JS you are right on about one thing - SHU is improving.

First, the SHU women already have 2 wins over Big East teams (Providence and Syracuse). They are now the favorite to win the NEC and grab the NCAA bid. With Rozzitti in Hartford having another great season, the story this March will be UConn, Hartford and Sacred Heart!

As for the men, they are maybe one more season away from challanging for the NEC, but so I wouldn't schedule them soon if I were a FU fan. With Trim, Frye, Hobson, Granto, and a healthy Henley (plus Big Deli in the wings), The Pioneers will soon challange the rest of the state for bragging rights as the "Best non-Big East team in Connecticut." They have no seniors of consequense this year and will be even better next season. Watch out for them in 2006.

As for your suggested conference change, that wouldn't do FU or anybody any good. Furthermore, SHU isn't going anywhere.

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[> Re: CT Post - Trust me, SHU getting closer to success -- Moose, 12:17:15pm 12/06/05 Tue, [1]

Yes, They are definitely a much more improved that last years. I have seen every game but one this year. Next year's class includes Savloski (I will hold out judgement on him till I actually see him play or practice.) & 2 guards (Ryan Litke from Windsor, CT & Chauncey Hardy of Xavier of Middletown). They are said to be the two best guards coming from Ct.

As far as them joining the MAAC, They were turned down originally, I can't see them jumping over. The NEC is a good fit for them right now.

As far as the woman go, They have everything in place to go to the tourney this year. I would love to see the make the NCAA tourney. I would be great for the kids there. They have never really had that kind of success.

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[> Re: CT Post - Trust me, SHU getting closer to success -- Stagophile, 12:58:23pm 12/06/05 Tue, [1]

After the Albany victory, I thought SHU was destined for big things this year. Still may happen, but I think next year will be the year SHU finally breaks through. Too bad you don't have Trim for another year.

As for SHU in the MAAC, I agree that it doesn't make sense. Local sports fans would prefer to see a diversity of D1 teams and conferences.

And as for SHU and FU playing each other, it is a natural rivalry in the making and could be a great annual event similar to the Albany Cup featuring Siena and Albany or the annual Xavier v. Cincinnati rivalry game. The two cities get amped up for these events including heightened media and TV coverage and it is something for local sports fans to look forward every year.

No more excuses...let's start the Fairfield Cup tradition!!!

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[> [> Re: CT Post - Trust me, SHU getting closer to success -- Pitt Stag Fan, 02:11:41pm 12/06/05 Tue, [1]

There is no reason not to make it an annual tradition. Although it is a no-win situation for Fairfield (we win nobody cares, we lose everyone cries we stink).

I think it would be a great tradition, beats playing schools with no connection like a St Francis. Plus neither team has to travel. Congrats the the SHU women, and hope for big things from the men this year and next.

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[> [> [> Re: CT Post - Trust me, SHU getting closer to success -- FUAlum, 03:33:14pm 12/06/05 Tue, [1]

But where is SHU's fan base? Their support is still nonexistent. High school games in B'Port outdraw these guys. If only 2700 fans came out to see a real quality opponent in St. Joe's, I honestly can't see more than 2,000 showing up for a FU-SHU game right now.

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[> [> [> [> Re: CT Post - Trust me, SHU getting closer to success -- Stagophile, 03:55:03pm 12/06/05 Tue, [1]

But your looking at this from a short term perspective. We need to look at the big picture. Sacred Heart is what Fairfield was back in the late 60's and early 70's in terms of basketball when the Stags upgraded from DII to DI basketball. With alot of support from the administration, the Stags were able to build itself into a highly successful D1 basketaball program (which we subsequently lost in the 90s). Sacred Heart is going through the same process and is slowing growing the program. Despite their record, there are some positive like the victory over Albany, their incoming transfers and recruits and their AD has the full support of the administration. There is a huge emphasis on athletics and if talk to anybody on campus you will quickly realize this. So don't be surprised if even as soon as next year, Sacred Heart starts getting more attention leaving Stags fans scratching their head and asking what happened. So do we embrace Sacred Heart, build a rivalry with a soon to be up and coming DI basketball program and capitalize of the future interest that can be generated for both schools? Or do we shun and turn our noses up to Sacred Heart and miss out in the opportunity to give local non-alumni sports fans a reason to care about Fairfield and SHU basketball?

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[> [> [> [> Re: CT Post - Trust me, SHU getting closer to success -- When the Stags Come Marching In..., 03:59:41pm 12/06/05 Tue, [1]

Stago,

Agree totally, but the only reason why Fairfield would even be concerned with this situation is the lack of support from Administration. Should that not change, SHU becomes a real concern, especially when the possibility opens up for them to play games at Harbor Yard.

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[> Re: CT Post - Trust me, SHU getting closer to success -- Doc, 06:04:37pm 12/06/05 Tue, [1]

As I have posted previously, I would love to see the Stags and the Pioneers meet on the basketball court, preferably at Harbor Yards Arena once or twice a year. It would start quite a rivalry. I spoke with their athletic director, a previous Stag athletic director and Stag baseball player and coach, and they would take us on. However our present athletic director is very much opposed to the match. I think that this is not in our future best interest of the school. I believe a rivalry would be fun and interesting and cannot believe we are so provincial to not do it. Again, that is my personal feeling but I know that some of my alumni friends feel otherwise.

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[> [> Re: CT Post - Trust me, SHU getting closer to success -- Observer, 06:34:11pm 12/06/05 Tue, [1]

Who are the "administration" that a couple on this board think aren't behind athletics?

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[> [> FU/SHU in other sports? -- NEC fan, 07:37:24pm 12/06/05 Tue, [1]

Just wondering, but has FU played SHU in any sport since the Pioneers have moved to DI?

FU has no problem sheduling other CT schools (QU, Hartford, CCSU, Yale, and of couse UCONN) in many sports, so what is the problem w/ SHU? What is the theory behind FU's not scheduling a local school?

I mean does Siena also avoid DI new comers Albany or Binghamton in all sports too? I didn't think so.

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[> [> [> Re: FU/SHU in other sports? -- Stagophile, 07:52:16pm 12/06/05 Tue, [1]

Yes, women's field hockey...SHU won this year, 2-1.

http://sacredheartpioneers.collegesports.com/sports/w-fieldh/recaps/100905aab.html

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[> [> [> [> I would not play SHU nor any other school in CT besides UCONN or Yale -- Antman, 07:53:16pm 12/06/05 Tue, [1]

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[> [> [> [> Re: FU/SHU in other sports? -- Bob, 11:11:29pm 12/06/05 Tue, [1]

Only played SHU in Field Hockey because they had to. Both teams are in the NEC for FH.

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[> [> [> [> [> LAX played SHU -- JoeStag, 10:07:38am 12/07/05 Wed, [1]

LAX play SHU last year, and lost. I do not think that loss destoyed out LAX program.

I think if Fairfield does not play CT schools then they run the risk of CT Fans having the perception that we purposely avoid playing CT Schools. Or run the risk of CT Fans thinking that we are so much better than everyone one else. Both of those perceptions are not good for us.

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[> Re: CT Post - Trust me, SHU getting closer to success -- Stags57, 09:25:39pm 12/06/05 Tue, [1]

In response to the question as to who in the administration does not support athletics, a more logical question might be who DOES? Many,many years ago I remember hearing ina class at Fairfield that a being is as it ACTS, not as it SAYS. I hear all the correct words about supporting athletics, but the proof is in the success, or lack thereof, of the Fairfield athletic program. Students who apply to Fairfield also apply to colleges such as Villanova, Georgetown, Boston College, Holy Cross, and Uconn. As a college guide which I recently read stated, Fairfield will not be in the same league as it's Jesuit sister colleges until it developes a successful athletic program. We have had some wonderful successes such as in lacrosse, some years in soccer. etc;but until the University dedicates itself to EXCELLENCE in athletics, especially in it's showcase sport, we will be debating whether we should play SHU and maybe someday playing UB;and wringing our hands over the lack of support and poor crowds at Harbor Yard.

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[> [> Re: CT Post - Trust me, SHU getting closer to success -- Stagophile, 10:02:56pm 12/06/05 Tue, [1]

Stags57, I agree with you 100% in terms of our target applicants and the impact of having a successful sports scene.

However, this discussion about developing a FU-SHU rivlary game is focused on developing a tradition that would attract the interest of local Southern CT sports fans. I think alumni and non-alumni fans who live and work together in Southern CT would find this to be an interesting annual matchup especially as SHU continues to grow as a school and an athletics program.

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[> Re: CT Post - Trust me, SHU getting closer to success -- JCM, 09:06:41am 12/07/05 Wed, [1]

I think an improving SHU is not a good thing for Fairfield basketball. As weak as the Maac is, it is a stronger conference than the NEC. SHU moving up is conceptually like Fairfield moving down, it simply makes Fairfield equivelant with Central, Quinnipiac and SHU. Just another program in CT.

A strong SHU can compete with Fairfield for the Arena at Harbor Yard. They already successfully grabbed the best local radio signal from the stags.

I don't see anything positive for Fairfield about SHU moving to the Maac. Fairfield has got to quickly get its program improved and they need to improve attendance. They need to own the Fairfield County and New Haven County fan base. They need to make the arena venture financially viable, and position themselves to move up to the A-10, a new conference or to be part of an improved Maac. I still think a reorganization of many of the major conferences is coming and Fairfield needs to be ready to capitalize on the opportunity when it presents itself.

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[> [> SHU in the MAAC.....Philly and Albany examples -- JoeStag, 09:58:40am 12/07/05 Wed, [1]

If SHU would get good enough to be in the MAAC, then the Fairfield Counry area could then start to become fans of MAAC Basketball, by creating a "critical mass of people" that are interesting in following the standings and following the games of Fairfield, SHU and other MAAC teams.

It will be difficult for Fairfield to be successfull at Harbor Yards just by itself. It needs the City of Bridgeport to offer entertainment/restaurants around the arena, it needs people to be fans of Mid major and MAAC Basketball, and it needs the CT Post to increase coverage in Fairfield and the MAAC. If SHU was in the MAAC, I can envision the following:

- Doubleheaders at Harbor Yards
- Increased coverage by CT Post and Stamford Advocate
- Very logical that Harbor Yards would be picked for MAAC Tourney more often
- the Fairfield - SHU game woud be very intersting if its a matchup of 2 good teams
- MAAC games becoming teh featured games on the schedule

If Fairfield and SHU are good at the same time, and there is double-header at AHY with SHU vs Iona, and Fairfield vs Manhatttan....... That would be an event , not just a hoop game.

I see this local rivalry thing work in Philly where the Big 5 has welcomed a Drexel, and not worried about them getting better...... a better Drexel helps all Philly schools. They all play each other, and its great and exciting. St Joes, Lasalle and Temple all in the same league. Doubleheaders at the Palestra....... this is all great IMO. All Philly schools hate each other, but also respect each other....... its what makes rivalries, and creates interest .

People say it won't work in CT or NYC, and it think thats hogwash if you don't try. IMO, its silly that an Iona does not play St Johns, or Fordham does not play St Johns, or Fairfield does not play Sacred Heart. These are athletic competitions that we are talking about, its not war or life or death situations. lace em up, and beat the hell out of the other team. Be agressive, show dominance and not be afraid to play anyone, for any reason. I think thats what true basketball fans want to see.

BTW, Siena drew 8,700 for their game vs the "SHU-Like" Albany (1-5). But Siena only drew 4,500 for games vs Fordham and Holy Cross. FU and HC are good teams to schedule, but the fan's have spoken. Those results speak volumes.

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[> [> [> Re: SHU in the MAAC.....Philly and Albany examples -- JCM, 04:39:21pm 12/07/05 Wed, [1]

Joe:

Your example with Albany/Siena is not directly relevant here. Siena is the big name in the albany marketplace. Albany playing Siena is a big game in Albany because of Siena.

UConn is the big name in this marketplace. If SHU played UConn or if Fairfield played UConn in Bridgeport the game would generate a lot of local press and would sell out. It would draw better than a game against an A-10 team.

Albany is a big school with a huge alumni base. Their Alumni base is 11 times greater than SHU's. They play one game a year at Pepsi arena, when they do, it is a big deal for their Alumni. Much like the days when UConn and Fairfield used to meet in New Haven. It is also a big deal for their students. If SHU had 20,000+ students in the area, they might help us draw at harbor yard once a year. The fact is they don't. They are a commuter college with 3000 students most of whom work and go to school. Bringing them into the Maac will not add to the fan base it will only suck away the limited number of fans in the area that don't already follow UConn.

Fairfield shouldn't be trying to align themselves with Division II schools that have moved up over the past 5 years. They should be aligning themselves with schools that have higher academic standards, basketball traditions and equivelent arenas. Schools that could ultimately come together to be in a league that at a minimum would be the equivalent of the a-10.

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[> [> [> [> Re: SHU in the MAAC.....Philly and Albany examples -- JoeStag, 08:31:17pm 12/07/05 Wed, [1]

JCM,

I disagree. The Albany example is very relevant, and so is every other local matchup that happens across the country. Two things always result in local games..... a rivalry and attendance greater than the average game.

Albany historically has drawn the same amount of fans as Sacred Heart about 600-800. I am not suggesting that we would get 4000 more fans like Siena did, but to expect 1,000+ more fans for a Fairfield-SHU game is reasonable..... and if both teams were good, expect a 4,000-5,000 fans.

I am not suggesting that we align with Division II schools, I just suggesting to play a basketball game that local hoop fans want to see. If we don't care about local hoop fans, then shame on us.

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[> [> [> [> [> Re: SHU in the MAAC.....Philly and Albany examples -- Stagophile, 08:37:44pm 12/07/05 Wed, [1]

JoeStag,

Unfortunately, I think what happened in this conversation is that we mixed your two proposals of SHU joining the MAAC and FU and SHU playing each in a local rivalry game. If we focused the discussion on a local rivalry game and eliminated the idea of SHU joining the MAAC, I think folks might be less confused and more receptive. Maybe we should start a new thread on starting a FU v. SHU rivalry game.

Stagophile

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[> [> [> [> [> [> Re: SHU in the MAAC.....Philly and Albany examples -- JoeStag, 08:48:19pm 12/07/05 Wed, [1]

Stago,

Agree really 2 different subjects, and we probably beat this subject to death.

Bottom line is that people have definite opinions about SHU, thats because it hits a nerve ...... unlike our games with Elon, Harvard and Charleston Southern..... where nobody cares.

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[> [> [> [> [> [> Re: SHU in the MAAC.....Philly and Albany examples -- JCM, 09:10:01pm 12/07/05 Wed, [1]

I have to agree. I don't think the folks at Siena are in favor of Albany joining the Maac. Nor do I think Fairfield would look kindly on an invitation for SHU to join the Maac.

I am not opposed to a game between SHU and Fairfield. It would be better for the stags to get a home game every year against SHU than to play Saint Francis. But I'd still rather see the stags playing St. Joes, Fordham, Holy Cross and there are plenty of other games I'd rather see. I think there is actually more interest among the local fan base in a game versus Holy Cross than SHU.

While I agree that it is also true that a game versus SHU would draw more fans than a game versus St. Francis, I think you greatly overestimate the impact. I lived in Albany for 5 years. The albany situation is so much different you can't draw too many relevant comparisons. There is one major newspaper in Albany. They give Siena phenomal press and they make the Albany-Siena game an event because it is great for newspaper sales. Albany has its own TV market, and they hype the game. Its the lead sports story. How much coverage will the NY TV market give an SHU-Fairfield Game? None. Heck, most nights outside of news 12 you can't even get the score of a Fairfield game on area TV. Sure News 12 will cover an FU/SHU game in a big way and it will get mentioned in the CT Post and the Advocate. But the courant won't even print the box score, nor will the times-union, Republican or Register. The games would be a non-event. There's really no comparison between the albany/Siena situation and Fairfield/SHU.

I totally agree that scheduling games fans want to see will put more fans in the seats. Local games can help in this regard, but no more so than sheduling certain other teams with a fan base in this market. Yale is local and we don't draw any better against them than we do against Rider or St. Peters. The central game 3 years ago was not a big draw either. Quinnipiac plays SHU and I was one of 822 people that saw that game in 2002. Two local NEC couldn't draw 1000 people on a Saturday afternoon.

So while we see this differently, what we think matters little. The game will never happen because Doris and O'Toole won't schedule it. Father Kelly was opposed to it as well and I'm sure Father Von Arx won't push this idea either. There are some issues between these colleges that transcend sports. I have heard there is also no love loss between the AD's. You might be familiar with the AD at SHU he once worked for Fairfield. Anyway, JS, I just don't see this game happening be at a good idea or bad one....

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[> [> Fairfield IS just another CT program -- NEC fan, 10:05:45am 12/07/05 Wed, [1]

So much for lowering yourself to the likes of Hartford...

----
UHart Routs Fairfield
December 7, 2005
Staff And Wire Reports

Danielle Hood had a game-high 14 points as Hartford defeated Fairfield 71-48 Tuesday in a nonconference game in Bridgeport.

Erica Beverly had 13 points and nine rebounds for Hartford (6-1), which took a 41-16 lead at halftime while holding Fairfield to 5-for-39 shooting (12.8 percent). Fairfield missed its first 11 attempts and trailed, 16-0.

Erika Messam had 12 points for Hartford. Candice Lindsay had a team-high 13 points and four steals for Fairfield (2-3).

Fairfield went on an 11-2 run to start the second half, pulling to within 43-27 with 16:55 to play, but that's as close as the Stags got.

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[> [> Re: worrying about SHU is a waste of time -- FUAlum, 12:59:54pm 12/07/05 Wed, [1]

There is nothing to be gained by either playing SHU or inviting them into the MAAC. Bridgeport is probably 95% UConn fans and always will be. What little support we get at Harbor Yards from the local community will be cut in half if we allow SHU into the MAAC.

Here's the deal - IF and WHEN the A10 and Big East realign in the next few years, Fairfield is in a prime position to latch onto these schools and move up if it's smart. Think about it - these schools will almost certainly want a team in Connecticut, Fairfield County is home to some of the wealthiest alums of Northeast Catholic schools, and we are the ONLY team in CT outside of UConn playing in a major arena.

This is why we need to focus on moving UP, not laterally. Who cares what SHU is going to do? I want to know what St. John's, Fordham, Providence, UMass and LaSalle are going to do. Find out what direciton they take, and position ourselves.

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[> [> [> Re: worrying about SHU is a waste of time -- Pitt Stag Fan, 05:15:04pm 12/07/05 Wed, [1]

You are right FUALum. Alligning with the schools and conferences mentioned should be the priority over the next couple of years. I dont think any poaters who have posted in favor of Fairfield vs. SHU thinks it will make much of a meaningful impact on the program (ours or SHUs). But why not schedule an annual game against them instead of the St. Francis's or Elons of the world? There is no reason not to.

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[> [> [> [> Need to think of Future and Present -- JoeStag, 08:43:24pm 12/07/05 Wed, [1]

I am all for staying with our stragegy of aligning ourselves with a top schedule, continuing to play at Harbor Yard, trying to field a broad range of successfull athletic programs, and increaing our Athletic budget. Those 4 things are positioning ourselves to be in a better league. But thats thinking of the future.

But we have to think of the Present too...... and that is being successfull in the MAAC, and providing interesting games, rivalry games. I do not want replace Providence, G-town or St Joes with SHU, I want to replace St Francis, Harvard and elon with SHU.

And if SHU was in the MAAC that is certainly more attractive than many of our MAAC Matchups

I also think college basketball doubleheaders are great, and should be pursued.

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[> [> [> [> [> Re: Need to think of Future and Present -- SHU Fan, 10:58:54pm 12/17/05 Sat, [1]

As a Sacred Heart student, and fan who has friends at FU i would love to see the two teams play each other each year.

Of course i understand the reasons that FU wouldnt want to schecdule this game, however if you really think about it...the only thing that can be hurt after each game is pride. Sorry to burst your bubble but Fairfield University isnt exactly Gonzaga, go outside of the tri state area and see who has even heard of Fairfield. Its not like scheduling SHU is going to kill your incredible national repuatation.

The previous school i went to, University at Buffalo plays there local rivals all the time and it makes for great games where attendance is usually doubled. Do you think that a MAC school scheduling a MAAC school like Canisius and Niagara is great for RPI? No, but they do it because it benefits the city and creates local intrest.

How is playing a school like Elon, or St. Francis better than establishing a rivalry with a division 1 college right down the road?

Whats the worst thing that can happen? SHU beats the powerhouse known as Fairfield, and gives you reason to be angry and want to win more the next time? Isn't that how a rivalry starts anyway?

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