Preview: Fairfield Aims to Continue Hot Start Against Struggling Canisius in MAAC Opener BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in trajectories will be on display Thursday when the surging Fairfield Stags host the struggling Canisius Golden Griffins in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women’s basketball opener at Webster Bank Arena. Fairfield (9-3) enters the New Year’s Day matinee having won five of its last six games, including an 84-59 road rout of Manhattan on Monday. The Stags’ offense has been potent, averaging 79.2 points during that stretch. The catalyst has been junior guard Kaety L’Amoreaux, who is playing at an all-conference level. She dropped 24 points on Manhattan and is averaging 23.8 points over her last six contests, including a 31-point outburst in a win at Richmond on Dec. 7. She is supported by a balanced attack featuring Meghan Andersen (18 points vs. Manhattan) and Cyanne Coe. Canisius (2-9) seeks to halt a two-game skid and find consistency after a difficult non-conference slate. The Golden Griffins fell 73-56 to Siena in their most recent outing on Dec. 21. Their only wins this season came against Wright State (65-60) and Division II Mercyhurst. A bright spot for the Griffins has been forward Franka Wittenberg, who posted 10 points and eight rebounds in the loss to Siena. She has scored in double figures in three straight games. Shariah Gailes led Canisius with 15 points against Siena. The matchup pits one of the MAAC’s most efficient offenses against a Canisius defense that has allowed 70 or more points in seven of its 11 games. Fairfield will look to exploit that trend and defend its home court, where it is 4-1 this season. This game kicks off the conference schedule for both teams. Fairfield’s next game is at home against Niagara on Saturday. Canisius continues its road trip at Sacred Heart on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST.