WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
>> Saint Francis dropped its NEC home opener to FDU, 73-28, on Sunday afternoon.
>> Bati Assefa led the Red Flash with nine points.
>> Giselle Eke chipped in five points and a career-high nine rebounds.
TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
FDU jumped out to a quick start, opening the game on an 8-0 run before Saint Francis got on the board midway through the first quarter. After trimming the deficit to five late in the opening frame, the Knights used a 16-1 run spanning the end of the first and start of the second quarter to build an advantage. FDU carried a 36-11 lead into halftime and never looked back.
FLASH MOMENTS
Saint Francis found a spark late in the first quarter when Assefa knocked down a three-pointer and
Shelby Ricks followed with a free throw to cut the deficit to 12-8.
Early in the third quarter, the Red Flash scored five straight points as
Zaiha Minnis converted a layup and Assefa added a pair of free throws.
Minnis provided a highlight late in the fourth quarter with a driving layup, while Eke capped off a sequence at the line in the final minutes.
FLASH NUGGETS
Assefa led Saint Francis with nine points on the afternoon, shooting 4-of-5 from the free-throw line. She added two rebounds and an assist in 32 minutes of action.
Minnis finished with six points and three rebounds, going a perfect 2-for-2 from the free-throw line.
Eke recorded a career-high nine rebounds to go along with five points, three assists, two blocks, and a steal.
Ricks added four points and two rebounds, while
Makyiah Ward contributed two points, an assist, and a steal in the contest.
The Red Flash forced seven steals and blocked one shot, with Eke and
Sajol Thornhill each registering a block.
Saint Francis grabbed nine offensive rebounds, led by Eke, as the Red Flash worked to generate second-chance opportunities throughout the game.
NEXT ON TAP
Saint Francis continues NEC play with a home game Thursday against Wagner in DeGol Arena. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.
