WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
>> Saint Francis men's basketball fell to Stonehill, 103-77, during Thursday night NEC action.
>> Skylar Wicks paced the Red Flash with 22 points.
>> Gestin Liberis registered 15 points, shooting 7-10 from the field.Â
>> Zion Russell tacked on 13 points to the Red Flash total, going 3-4 from behind the arc.
TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
After Zion Russell knocked down a three-pointer at the 10:32 mark of the first half to cut the deficit to 30-15, Saint Francis began to show signs of momentum. Gestin Liberis followed with a tip-in and Wicks connected from deep to trim the margin to 30-20.
However, Stonehill responded with a decisive stretch midway through the opening half. The Skyhawks knocked down consecutive three-pointers and converted in transition to extend the lead to going into half time 54-33.
In the second half, the Red Flash were unable to string together a strong run. The Skyhawks prevented the margin from dipping below 19 from the 16:09 minute mark after an Ahmad Harrison tip-in to cut the score to 63-44.
FLASH MOMENTSÂ
Trailing by 24 early in the second half, the Red Flash showed fight as Liberis ignited a brief push with a powerful dunk at 16:47, and Paris Papadatos followed with three straight free throws to chip away at the deficit.
Later in the half, Russell buried a three-pointer and Liberis threw down another fastbreak dunk off a feed from Wicks. Saint Francis continued to battle inside, with Moncrief and Liberis converting tough finishes around the rim.
Â
FLASH NUGGETS
Liberis has had five 10+ point games in his last seven games. The redshirt junior finished with six rebounds and one block during Thursday's contest.
Russell recorded his third double digit game in a row, also have five 10+ point games in the last seven games. The redshirt senior added four boards.
Melvin Weaver III put up points for the first time since December 3, against Penn State-Shenango.
Wicks returned to double figures for the second game in a row after he had his streak of 10 games stopped in his DeGol Arena finale on Saturday. In the last 13 contests, the redshirt senior registered 12 games in double digits.
Saint Francis is still looking to seal a playoff spot. A win on Saturday with a Chicago State Cougars loss will seal the deal.
NEXT ON TAP
Saint Francis will play its final regular season game on Saturday at CCSU. Tip-off is at 1 p.m. in Detrick Gymnasium.
