WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
>> Saint Francis women's basketball drops road contest to Mercyhurst, 85-61, on Saturday afternoon in NEC play.
>> Aleah James and Cassandra Hawthorne added double digits offensively, James with 13 and Hawthorne with 10.
>> Giselle Eke nabbed six boards while also putting up six points.
TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
The Red Flash hung on through the early minutes of the matchup, with the score being tied throughout the first media timeout. However, Mercyhurst used a series of three-pointers to create breathing room heading into the final half after going on a 16-4 run in the first quarter. A late push by the Red Flash minimized the gap, but the Lakers responded in the finals minutes to secure the win.
FLASH MOMENTS
Saint Francis showed fight right away, with
Gemma Walker and Eke connecting on early baskets, while
Shelby Ricks found the rim multiple times.
The Red Flash found sparks in the second quarter from James, who converted in transition and finished through contact. Hawthorne added a points of her own with a tough bucket inside, and
Bati Assefa added a three-pointer to answer a Laker run.
Out of the half, Eke scored on the block, Ricks added another finish at the rim, and Sato came up with rebounds to limit second chance opportunities.
During the fourth, James buried a three off an Eke assist, Ward scored on a drive, and Sato powered in a pair of buckets as Saint Francis worked to close the gap.
FLASH NUGGETS
James paced Saint Francis in scoring with 13 while adding four assists.
Ricks added nine to the total score while
Bati Assefa contributed eight, both with five boards each.
Sato contributed across the stat sheet, adding in eight points, five rebounds, and one steal.
Eke continued with post presence, leading the team on the glass with six rebounds, all defensive, while adding six of her own points.
NEXT ON TAP
Saint Francis will meet LIU Thursday on the road at 7 p.m.
