The Manhattan Jaspers will face the Fairfield Stags in the MAAC Tournament First Round on March 5, 2026, at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This postseason matchup is important for both teams as they aim to move forward in the conference tournament and keep their championship hopes alive.
Fairfield enters the tournament as the No. 7 seed with a solid season record, while Manhattan comes in as the No. 10 seed looking to pull off an upset. Tournament games often bring unpredictable results, making this matchup one to watch for college basketball fans.
The Stags finished the regular season with strong offensive performances and a positive scoring differential, while the Jaspers will need a better defensive display if they want to advance in the tournament.
Manhattan vs Fairfield Game Details
| Match | Manhattan Jaspers vs Fairfield Stags |
|---|---|
| Competition | MAAC Men’s Basketball Tournament 2026 |
| Date | March 5, 2026 |
| Venue | Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City |
| Tip-Off Time (USA ET) | 8:30 PM ET |
| Time (USA PT) | 5:30 PM PT |
| Time (India IST) | 6:00 AM IST (March 6) |
Where to Watch Manhattan vs Fairfield Live in the USA
Fans in the United States can watch the MAAC Tournament game live on:
- ESPN+ – Exclusive streaming platform for the matchup
The game will not be available on traditional TV channels, so viewers will need a streaming subscription to watch it live.
Manhattan vs Fairfield Live Streaming Options
The match can be streamed on multiple devices through ESPN+.
- ESPN+ App – Available on smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, and web browsers
- Streaming Devices – Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Android TV supported
- Online Streaming – Access through ESPN’s official website
Some streaming bundles or sports packages may include ESPN+ access as part of their subscription.
Global Streaming Availability
| Region | Broadcaster / Streaming |
|---|---|
| USA | ESPN+ |
| Canada | ESPN+ / NCAA streaming partners |
| UK | NCAA digital streaming services |
| Australia | NCAA streaming partners |
| Rest of the World | Official NCAA streaming platforms |
Also see: Coby White Injury Update: Hornets Guard Cleared to Return After Calf Setback in 2025-26
Match Preview
Fairfield has been slightly stronger statistically this season, averaging around 75 points per game while maintaining a positive scoring differential. Their balanced offensive play has helped them remain competitive throughout the MAAC season.
Manhattan, however, has struggled defensively at times but still has the ability to score efficiently when their offense clicks. In tournament basketball, momentum and defensive intensity can quickly change the outcome of a game.
With both teams aiming to advance to the next round, this MAAC Tournament clash is expected to deliver an intense and competitive battle. Fans can tune in through ESPN+ to watch the action live from Atlantic City.
