No. 8 UConn tops Fairfield 79-71

HARTFORD, Conn. — Shabazz Napier scored 24 points to lead No. 8 Connecticut over in-state rival Fairfield 79-71 on Thursday night in the final game before coach Jim Calhoun serves a three-game suspension for NCAA recruiting violations.

Jeremy Lamb added 18 points and freshman center Andre Drummond had 16 points, nine rebounds, four steals and two blocks for the Huskies (10-1), who won their 41st consecutive nonconference game.

Rakim Sanders had 20 points and Derek Needham added 12 for Fairfield (7-5), which cut a 22-point second-half deficit to three with 2:23 left before bowing to the Huskies.

Connecticut is now 118-4 against New England teams outside the Big East, and has won 65 consecutive games against in-state competition.

Calhoun will return to the sideline Jan. 7 at Rutgers after he sits out three conference games against South Florida, St. John’s and Seton Hall.