WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
>> Saint Francis women's basketball was defeated by Wagner Saturday afternoon, 58-51, in Staten Island, N.Y.
>> Shelby Ricks led the Red Flash with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Aleah James added seven points and four assists.
>> Makyiah Ward grabbed a team and career-high 10 rebounds to lead Saint Francis on the glass.

TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
Wagner created separation early by building a first-quarter lead. Saint Francis battled with rebounding and trips to the free-throw line to generate offense to stay within reach, but trailed 19-12 after the first quarter.

The Red Flash cut into the deficit with contributions from James and Gemma Walker. With strong defensive rebounding from Ward and Giselle Eke, it helped limit the Seahawks' opportunities, but Wagner maintained control and carried a 32-24 lead into halftime.

Saint Francis came out of the break with renewed energy. Ricks sparked the offense with key baskets and free throws along with James to help trim the deficit. The Red Flash kept the margin within single digits heading into the fourth quarter.

In the final quarter, Saint Francis made a late push behind clutch free throws and a three-pointer from Ricks to stay within reaching distance. Despite the effort, Wagner converted key free throws in the closing seconds to secure the 58-51 victory.

FLASH MOMENTS 
Ricks provided an early spark in the second half, scoring inside and at the free-throw line to help Saint Francis close the gap.

James helped ignite the offense in the third quarter with a strong drive to the basket and later added a key assist during the Red Flash rally.

Ward made her presence felt throughout the game on the glass, collecting rebounds that created second-chance opportunities.

Walker knocked down a three-pointer during the second quarter to help Saint Francis stay within reach.

Late in the fourth quarter, Ricks connected from beyond the arc and Ward converted free throws to keep the Red Flash within striking distance.

FLASH NUGGETS

Ricks led the Red Flash with 16 points and nine rebounds, shooting 2-for-4 from the three-point range and a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.

Ward recorded a double-digit rebounding performance with 10 boards, adding five points and two steals.

James finished with seven points and a team-high four assists.

Bati Assefa added six points and five rebounds, converting all four of her free throws.

Walker contributed five points and four rebounds.

Eke added six rebounds to help Saint Francis control the glass.

Saint Francis had three players with at least six rebounds.

NEXT ON TAP
Saint Francis women's basketball will be back at home Thursday for Senior Night against Stonehill. Tip-off is 7 p.m. The Red Flash will be honoring seniors Bati Assefa, Shelby Ricks, Sonia Sato, Zaiha Minnis, Cassandra Hawthorne, and Aleah James.
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