WEST HAVEN, Conn. — New Haven (12-15, 7-7 NEC) earned a 64-51 win over Stonehill (9-19, 6-9 NEC) at The Hazell Center on Thursday night. Dominating the interior, New Haven outscored Stonehill 40-20 in the paint and maintained a steady lead with balanced scoring across both halves. Stonehill kept it close in the first half, trailing by two at halftime, but New Haven's defensive strength, forcing 10 turnovers and holding Stonehill to 21 second-half points, proved decisive.

New Haven set the tone early with Kheni Briggs' (Kennapolis, N.C./The Burlington School) steal and conversion into a fast-break layup. Jabri Fitzpatrick (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick), who notched a season-high 29 points, was instrumental, adding a three-pointer and a layup to sustain the early momentum. Fitzpatrick and Najimi George's (Bridgeport, Conn./Kolbe Cathedral) contributions, including assists and defensive rebounds, helped maintain the lead.

The Chargers extended their advantage to 16-6 through effective fast breaks and points in the paint. Despite Stonehill's late first-half surge with successful three-pointers, New Haven held firm, concluding the half ahead 32-30.

In the second half, New Haven widened the gap significantly. George initiated scoring with a layup and free throw at 19:38. New Haven's defense shone through, highlighted by Andre Pasha's (Syracuse, N.Y./Syracuse Academy of Science) early block. Capitalizing on defensive efforts, Teshaun Steele's (Worcester, Mass./Darrow School) three-point play at 16:14 expanded the lead.

Fitzpatrick maintained momentum with key baskets, including a layup at 11:07 and a three-pointer at 3:01. His proficiency at the free-throw line sealed the deal, with four free throws in the final two minutes. New Haven concluded with a 64-51 victory over Stonehill.

New Haven Top Performers

Jabri Fitzpatrick (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick)  
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- 29 points  
- 11 field goals made  
- 4 steals  
- 8 rebounds  

Najimi George (Bridgeport, Conn./Kolbe Cathedral)  
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- 14 points  
- 6 field goals made  
- 2 blocks  
- 8 rebounds  

Teshaun Steele (Worcester, Mass./Darrow School)  
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- 7 points  
- 3/3 field goals made  
- 8 rebounds  
- 1 block  

Andre Pasha (Syracuse, N.Y./Syracuse Academy of Science)  
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- 2 points  
- 3 blocks  
- 7 rebounds

Up Next, the Chargers will travel to face FDU on Saturday, Feb. 21. The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. in Teaneck, New Jersey.