Fairfield escapes Keokuk with win

KEOKUK — Fairfield boys basketball came into Monday nights game against Keokuk off a two-game slide, in a pair of defeats that could have went the other way.

Against the Chiefs, in the final game of 2022, Fairfield wasn’t about to let that happen as they staved off a late Keokuk run to win 62-56.

Fairfield came out with fire and gumption.

Across the first half, it was all Fairfield.

The Trojans dashed out to a 19-6 lead after the first quarter, making their presence felt early.

Fairfield stayed the course through the second period as well, outscoring the Trojans 16-9 through 16 minutes of action for a 35-15 lead.

In the third, Fairfield and Keokuk continued to trade blows, but the momentum began to shift.

The Trojans lost the third quarter scoring battle, 17-15, but still held onto a commanding 18 point lead heading into the fourth, 62-56.

For Keokuk, the fourth quarter was its most efficient night and for Fairfield, it was its least.

The Chiefs stormed back to cut the lead to single digits. The Trojans were able to weather the storm and their cushion held, despite being outscored 24-12.

With the win, the Trojans move to 3-4 overall and 2-2 in the Southeast Conference. Fairfield currently sits at fourth in the SEC as Burlington, Mt. Pleasant and Washington are all 3-1.

Fairfield will return to the hardwood on Jan. 2, 2023 as they will play host to Centerville.