LORETTO, Pa. – The Saint Francis men's basketball team opens its 2011-12 season Saturday with a 72-63 exhibition win against Susquehanna.
 
The Red Flash overcame some first half struggles and put together a strong second half to knockoff the Crusaders. Umar Shannon (Atlantic City, N.J./Atlantic City) led the way for the Flash with 19 points, while Scott Eatherton (Hershey, Pa./Hershey) added 18 points and eight rebounds.
 
The two teams played even over the first 6:30 but the Crusaders used a 7-0 run to earn an advantage, which they took to half. Harley Sellinger led the way in the first half for Susquehanna racking up eight points, five rebounds and two assists in the first frame. Spenser Spencer added nine as the Crusaders took a 38-31 advantage into the half.
 
The Red Flash used a 17-4 second half run to turn a 44-39 deficit into a 56-48 lead. Shannon and Eatherton each scored nine in the secon half while Stephon Whatt scored seven off the bench in the second stanza to lead Red Flash revival. Cameron Ritter provided solid minutes off the bench racking up six points to go along with two assists and two rebounds.
 
 Saint Francis returns to action Nov. 11 when the Red Flash travel to Richmond, Va., to take on Virginia Commonwealth for a 7:30 p.m. tip.