FLASH POINTS:
- Saint Francis "makes the turn" in the 18-game NEC slate at 8-1
- SFU is looking to run their win streak to eight games
- 8-1 is SFU's best start since going 18-0 in NEC play in 2003-04
- SFU is looking to even up the all-time series with RMU at 41-41
GAME NOTES (SFU) |
GAME NOTES (RMU) |
LIVE STATS |
LIVE VIDEO (NEC FRONT ROW) |
@RedFlashWBB
LORETTO, PA- The Saint Francis Red Flash host in-state rival Robert Morris on Monday night at 7 p.m. inside DeGol Arena.
ABOUT THE RED FLASH
Saint Francis comes into the game winners of their last seven after a 67-46 win at Wagner on Saturday. The Flash are enjoying their best start to NEC play since they went 18-0 in 2003-04. During their seven-game run, the Flash topped Robert Morris 70-55 on January 16th, marking the second time in two weeks the two rivals will square off. The Flash blitzed the Colonials out of the gate, owning a 42-18 lead at the half. That run was helped in part by
Jessica Kovatch (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg), who went for 21 of her 24 points in the first half, crossing the 1,000-point plateau in the win. SFU also forced 27 Robert Morris turnovers and held the Colonials to just 25 percent shooting in the first half. The Red Flash have upped the defensive intensity in NEC play, allowing just 67 points per game in NEC play, down from 86 in the non-conference. They also have at least 10 steals in each of their last five games, including 16 in the win over Wagner on Saturday. The Flash will look to repeat that feat again on Monday when they meet Robert Morris for a second time, the first rematch of conference play. SFU will have to contend with Anna Niki Stamolamprou who averages close to 16 points per game and the senior is just 19 points away from second on the all-time RMU scoring list.
ABOUT THE COLONIALS
RMU owns the same 11-9 record as SFU but is 6-3 in NEC play, good for fourth place currently. They held off a pesky Mount Saint Mary's team on Saturday 50-44 at Knott Arena. The Colonials have won their last three games since meeting with the Red Flash including a win over now third-place CCSU. During their three-game streak, they have not allowed a team over 46 points. Getting to 60 will be the magic number for SFU on Monday, the Colonials are just 3-7 when an opponent reaches 60 and 0-3 when they reach 70. Janee Brown leads the NEC with a 1.4 assist-to-turnover ratio, the Flash will look to pressure her in similar fashion to last game where Brown turned the ball over seven times. The Flash out rebounded the Colonials in their previous match-up, the only opponent they have beaten on the glass in NEC play. They will have to contend with Megan Smith and Mikalah Mulrain on the front line who each average six rebounds per game.
SERIES HISTORY
The Robert Morris Colonials are SFU's oldest rivals. Monday's meeting will be the 82nd all time with Robert Morris owning a slim 41-40 lead. The Red Flash have had the better of the series in Loretto, owning a 25-14 edge.
FOLLOW ALONG
Monday's game will be aired on NEC Front Row with Todd Bartley and
Bernie Jubeck on the call. SFU will also provide live stats for the game and you can follow @RedFlashWBB for in-game stats and updates. All links are available at the top of the page.
LOOKING AHEAD
Saint Francis heads to the Big Apple next weekend to rematch with LIU and St. Francis Brooklyn. The Blackbirds from LIU are up first, tip time is set for 2 p.m. from the Steinburg Wellness Center.
