BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) -- Jerry Johnson scored 18 of his game-high 23 points after a nearly 20-minute grease fire delay in the second half as Rider beat Fairfield 74-66 Wednesday night.
Rider (15-9, 11-4 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) moves into a first-place conference tie with Niagara. The regular-season champ receives a double-bye in the conference tournament. Niagara will play at Rider in the regular-season finale on Feb. 26.
Jason Thompson had 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Broncs, and Edwin Muniz added 10 points.
Fairfield (12-12, 9-6), which has lost two straight at home, was led by Terrence Todd and DeWitt Maxwell, who scored 18 points apiece.
The Stags opened the second half with a 10-2 run to take an eight-point lead, but the momentum shifted back to Rider after Johnson hit a 3-pointer with 13 minutes left.
The Arena at Harbor Yard was evacuated because of a small grease fire at one of the concession stands, and the game was held up for nearly 20 minutes.
Rider trailed 48-41 when the fire alarm sounded. When the game resumed, Rider scored 24 of the next 29 points to take a 65-53 lead. Six 3-pointers, including four by Johnson, were included in that run.
Rider used a 16-2 run to take an early 22-9 lead in the first half, but Fairfield came back with a 21-6 run, grabbing a 30-28 advantage. The score was tied at 34 at halftime.
