FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Interstat) — A pair of Connecticut programs heading in opposite directions will meet Thursday when the Fairfield Stags visit the Sacred Heart Pioneers at the William Pitt Center. The Stags (14-10), who compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, have won six of their last nine games despite a 72-65 home loss to Quinnipiac on Sunday. Forward Declan Wucherpfennig has been a catalyst, averaging 12.1 points and 5.6 rebounds over that stretch. He posted a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds in the loss to Quinnipiac. Sacred Heart (10-14), an independent, has dropped two straight, including a 75-58 defeat at Merrimack on Sunday. The Pioneers have been led by versatile guard Dashon Gittens, who is averaging 14.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. He recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds against Merrimack and is coming off a 19-point performance in a 98-91 win at Quinnipiac on Jan. 30. Fairfield holds the superior overall record, but Sacred Heart has shown potency, scoring 98 points in its win over Quinnipiac and 105 in a victory at Rider on Jan. 19. The Stags will rely on their recent defensive form, having held three of their last five opponents under 70 points. The game is a non-conference matchup organized by the Metro Atlantic. It will be the first of two meetings between the schools this month, with the Pioneers scheduled to visit Fairfield on Feb. 20. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026.