Sidney Sanders Jr. scored on a last-second tip shot as Fairleigh Dickinson held off a late surge by Lafayette to win 82-80 Friday night.
The Knights (4-4), hosting their home opener after traveling 5,500 miles for seven road games, led by 14 in the first half and 44-35 at intermission. Fairleigh Dickinson still held a 77-68 advantage with 3:59 left when the Leopards launched a 12-3 run, tying it at 80 on Dan Trist's layup with 20 seconds left.
Lafayette, however, did not take another shot. After Alan Flannigan blocked Lonnie Robinson's jumper, the Knights got the offensive rebound. Mustafaa Jones missed a 3-pointer with 2 seconds left, then Sanders rebounded and scored.
Seth Hinrichs had a career-high 27 points and Trist 17 for the Leopards (3-8).
Jones led Fairleigh Dickinson with 18 points. Robinson had 17, Melquan Bolding 15 and Kim Rochford 10 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks.
