Fairfield escapes Burlington

BURLINGTON — Everything came together for Fairfield basketball on Friday night.

With a four-game losing streak on the line, the Trojans stepped up to the challenge, downing Southeast Conference championship hopeful Burlington, 68-62.

It was a revenge match for Fairfield, who fell to Burlington in the two’s first game, 61-52.

A quick start helped propel the Trojans to the conference win.

Fairfield jolted out to a 13-11 lead after one and outscored Burlington 20-11 in the second for a 33-22 halftime advantage.

The Trojans continued to stay the course in the third, edging the Grayhounds 16-14 for a 49-36 lead.

In the fourth, Fairfield led by as much as 17, but Burlington darted back into the game.

A 13-0 run by Burlington evaporated the Trojans double digit lead and eventually the Grayhound came within one, 57-56, with just three minutes to go.

Fairfield answered back with a three and a pair of free throws to make it 62-56.

JJ Lane finished with 22 points for the Trojans. Lane missed the first meeting against Burlington.

Tate Allen followed with 18 points and eight assists.

Max Weaton tallied 16 points and 14 rebounds.

Fairfield improves to 5-7 and 3-4 in SEC play on the season.

Burlington drops to 11-4 and 4-2.

In their next matchup, the Trojans will take on Iowa City High (5-7) on Monday.