Men's Basketball | 11/14/2014 12:00:00 AM

Expectations are on the rise in Loretto after a strong finish to the 2013-14 season, that included the program's first postseason victory in 18 years.  The Red Flash – which returns 100% of its scoring and 99.9% of its rebounding from last season's squad – now turns its attention to the first opponent of the 109th varsity campaign.
 
The Frankies visit Cincinnati on Friday, where the Bearcats await for an 8 p.m. contest set to air on ESPN3.  The season-opening road trip is the first stiff test in Saint Francis' 11-game non-conference slate that also features visits to Texas and Rutgers.
 
While SFU returns most of its key players – in addition to the influx of height brought about by a trio of freshman forwards – the Bearcats look to reload after a season that ended in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
 
Cincinnati welcomes seven newcomers this season as it hopes to replace a significant portion of its lineup, including graduated All-America guard Sean Kilpatrick, who contributed 21 points per contest.
 
Shaq Thomas and Ge'Lawn Guyn are the only returning starters among the Bearcats' six returning lettermen.  A season ago, Cincinnati rolled to a 27-7 record and a share of the American Athletic Conference regular-season title.
 
The Bearcats are picked to finish fourth in the AAC.
 
SFU is back in action Monday at American.