Fairfield fights off Ft. Madison

Fairfield boys basketball got Southeast Conference play started with a bang Friday night. The Trojans, still seeking their first win of the season, marched into Ft. Madison and defeated the Bloodhounds 47-44, avenging a blowout loss last season.

Neither team separated itself throughout the the matchup and the fourth quarter saw just 14 combined points. A 3-pointer by senior Eli Zillman - his only made field goal of the game - made it 45-42 Fairfield and capped off a 7-0 Trojans run in the closing stages.

Ethan Bisgard converted a layup with 30 seconds left to extend Fairfield’s lead back to 3 after Ft. Madison cut it to 45-44. The Bloodhounds a few cracks to tie or extend the game on their ensuing possession, which would end up being the last one of the game.

Brody Ulik took a quick short corner 2 that rimmed out. But the loose ball took a deflection off Fairfield out of bounds.

Ft. Madison couldn’t find a clean look after a few passes around the 3-point line and called timeout with 7.2 seconds left. It called another after seeing Farifield’s defensive setup, but still couldn’t find a clean look. Nolan Guzman threw up a prayer from the left wing as time expired that was well off the mark.

Fairfield survived a low-scoring affair on the road thanks to an efficient shooting display. The Trojans made 5 of 14 3-pointers and shot 37% from the field. That also helped offset a 2 of 9 showing at the free throw line.

Despite being down just three at halftime and matching Fairfield’s 14 points in the first quarter, Ft. Madison struggled mightily shooting the ball in the defeat. The Bloodhounds made just 26.5% of shots from the field and went 5 of 22 from beyond the arc. Fairfield also forced 13 turnovers.

Bisgard led the way for the Trojans with 13 points. The junior added three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Brock Atwood was the only other Trojan in double figures with 10 points. He also chipped in three rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Andrew Myers finished with nine points, nine rebounds and a team-high four assists. Axl Starr had five points and three rebounds, while Zillman grabbed six boards and had a steal and a block to go along with his three points.

Rowan Kness and Jeremy Parker combined to score all seven of Fairfield’s points off the bench. Kness finished with four points, three assists and three steals.

Nolan Smith didn’t end up on the score sheet for Fairfield. But the senior still led the way in a key category, grabbing 13 rebounds in the win.

Fairfield will aim to keep its momentum rolling with a home clash against Ottumwa Tuesday. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Fairfield High School.