Preview: Fairleigh Dickinson at Central Connecticut NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (Interstat) — The Central Connecticut Blue Devils look to rebound from a road loss when they host the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights in a Northeast Conference men’s basketball matchup on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. The game at William H. Detrick Gymnasium pits teams on divergent tracks in conference play. Central Connecticut (10-7 overall) sits above .500 and aims to solidify its standing, while Fairleigh Dickinson (6-13) seeks to build on a rare recent victory. The Blue Devils are coming off a 79-61 defeat at Mercyhurst on Monday, which snapped a three-game winning streak. Forward Max Frazier has been a consistent presence, averaging 12.8 points and 6.2 rebounds over his last five contests. He posted 12 points and seven rebounds in the loss to Mercyhurst. Fairleigh Dickinson enters with momentum after a 68-61 home win over Wagner on Monday, just its second victory in the last seven games. The Knights are led by guard Joey Niesman, who scored 23 points in the win over Wagner and is averaging 16.1 points per game over his last seven outings. Taeshaud Jackson added a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds in that victory. Central Connecticut won both meetings last season, including a 72-69 overtime decision at home. The Blue Devils’ superior record and home court provide an advantage, but the Knights’ recent upset win demonstrates their capability. The game will be the first of a home-and-home series between the teams this season, with the rematch scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14, in Teaneck, New Jersey. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST.