Loretto, Pa. - All five starters scored in double figures, led by 22 points from senior Keith Braxton (Glassboro, N.J./Delsea) and 21 points from senior Isaiah Blackmon (Charlotte, N.C./West Charlotte), as the Saint Francis men's basketball team (14-8, 7-4 NEC) cruised to an 84-64 victory over Bryant (10-12, 2-7 NEC) on Saturday.

Krimmel's Reaction

"Any tme you can win a nationally-televised game, it is a special day for the program," said head coach Rob Krimmel. "I thought our guys did a great job of locking in on the scouting report. Bryant threw us out of our rhythm there in the first half, but we kept battling on the defensive end and showed tremendous poise."

How It Happened 

With the game televised on CBS Sports Network, Saint Francis didn't allow the early noon start to have an affect, storming out to a 20-9 lead on a layup from senior Ramiir Dixon-Conover (Newark, N.J./South Kent) at 13:28 of the first half. Bryant fought back, drawing within 26-25, before Saint Francis closed the half on a 14-6 run over the final 6:07 to lead 40-31. Braxton was the difference maker, hitting 6-of-8 first half shots for 14 points.

The Red Flash didn't allow Bryant closer than six over the final 20 minutes, pulling away for the 20-point victory.

Starting Lineup Steps up Big

A shortened bench didn't bother Saint Francis as the Red Flash starting five scored the team's first 80 points. Sophomore Myles Thompson (Camden, N.J./Camden) recorded 16 points and six rebounds, junior Ramiir Dixon-Conover (Newark, N.J./South Kent) registered 11 points, five rebounds, four steals and three assists, and junior Mark Flagg (Fairless Hills, Pa./Pennsbury) finished with 10 points and five boards.

Inside the Box Score

• The Saint Francis defense was sensational, holding Bryant to 24-62 (38.7%) from the floor and 4-28 (14.3%) from three-point range. The Red Flash converted 28-58 (48.3%) shots and 6-19 (31.6%) from three.
• SFU hit 22-26 (84.6%) from the free throw line, while Bryant made 12-15 (80.0%).
• SFU forced 15 Bryant turnovers, converting them into a 26-14 advantage in points off turnovers. Dixon-Conover was the catalyst with four steals and has nine over his last two games.
• SFU led in rebounding, 37-32.
• The Red Flash led for 38:33 of the 40 minutes. Bryant held its only lead at 3-2, which last 15 seconds. 

Notes

• Blackmon recorded the 20th 20-point game of his career and the ninth this season. Six of them have come in 11 conference games.
• With 21 points, Blackmon tied NBA legend Norm Van Lier for 12th on the school's all-time scoring list.
• Braxton netted his 27th career 20-point game and the fifth this season. He has scored in double figures in all 22 games this season.
• SFU's 84 points were the most allowed by Bryant in nine conference games this season.
• Saint Francis is 8-2 at home this season and 22-6 since the start of 2018-19.
• SFU is 7-2 when scoring 80 or more points and have done so in six of 11 conference games.

Up Next

Saint Francis hits the road for a Thursday clash at Sacred Heart on Feb. 6.