Loretto, Pa. - The Saint Francis men's basketball team (4-6) used a dominant second half to pull away from NCAA Division III Franciscan University (6-6) in a 96-63 win on Tuesday night. Junior
Keith Braxton (Glassboro, N.J./Delsea) finished with 19 points and nine rebounds and redshirt junior
Isaiah Blackmon (Charlotte, N.C./West Charlotte) continued his recent stretch of strong play with 19 points and eight rebounds.
Krimmel's Reaction
"It wasn't the traditional week of preparation for us with finals week and I think it showed early on," said head coach
Rob Krimmel. "Andre (Wolford) gave us a big boost off the bench with his effort and shot-making and I think our group fed off his energy."
Turning Point
Franciscan took its first and only lead, 28-27, after a Juwan Perkins layup with 4:38 left in the first half. The Red Flash responded with a critical 16-2 run over the final four minutes to go into halftime with a 13-point advantage. The momentum carried over into the second half as SFU scored the first seven points to open up a 20-point lead.
About the Game
This was the 36th all-time meeting between the Franciscan sister schools, a series that dates back to the 1947-48 seasons. Saint Francis has won the last 13 games to own a 27-9 series lead. The series also serves as a coming-together for the Franciscan Friars and members of the Franciscan Third Order. Many of the Franciscan Friars have spent time as faculty members of both campuses and current Saint Francis President Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R, Ph.D received his undergraduate degree from Franciscan University and serves on its Board of Trustees.
"It's neat to play a school with very similar connections and religious ideals," said head coach
Rob Krimmel. "It was nice to see some familiar faces in the crowd and reunite with some priests who have taught on this campus. Certainly, this is a series that we would like to continue down the road."
Inside the Box Score
- Saint Francis shot 61.1% from the field in the second half and 38-73 (52.1%) for the game while holding Franciscan to 23-67 (34.3%) shooting.
- The Red Flash connected on just 6-22 (27.3%) from three-point range. Franciscan shot a better clip, making 10-28 (35.7%).
- Saint Francis was 14-25 (56.0%) from the foul stripe while the Barons were 7-10 (70.0%).
- Saint Francis hauled in 18 offensive rebounds while posting a 50-34 advantage on the backboards.
- The bigger Red Flash outscored Franciscan 58-24 in the paint.
- SFU assisted on 19 of its 38 made field goals.
- SFU forced the Barons into 23 turnovers while committing 15, leading to a 34-15 advantage on fast break points.
Notes
- Blackmon netted his third straight game with 15 or more points. He is averaging 18.7 ppg over that span.
- Braxton's efficient 19 point, nine rebound performance came on 8-9 shooting from the field.
- Senior Andre Wolford (North Olmstead, Ohio/Saint Ignatius) sparked SFU with a 13-point first half, finishing the game with 15 points.
- Junior Deivydas Kuzavas (Kretinga, Lithuania/St. Mary's Ryken (Md.)) added 10 points and five rebounds in 11 minutes.
- Freshman Myles Thompson (Camden, N.J./Camden) recorded his fourth game in double figures with 10 points and six rebounds.
- Sophomore Mark Flagg (Fairless Hills, Pa./Pennsbury) finished with nine points and 10 rebounds.
- Sophomore Dan Henry (Hamburg, N.Y./Hamburg) (2 points) and freshman A.J. Labriola (Altoona, Pa./Bishop Guilfoyle) (1 point) recorded their first collegiate points.
Up Next
The Red Flash close non-conference play on Saturday, Dec. 22, at Lehigh at 12 p.m.
