WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
>> Saint Francis women's basketball fell to Mercyhurst, 79-59, Thursday night at DeGol Arena on Think Pink night.
>> Shelby Ricks led the Red Flash with a team high 18 points and six rebounds.
>> Gemma Walker finished in double figures with 14 points and four rebounds.

TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
Mercyhurst used a decisive second-quarter run to create separation going into halftime with a 41-24 lead. This was capitalized on a number of turnovers and second chance conversions to build this double digit lead. 

The Red Flash cut the deficit to the smallest it was in the second half by 14 after a Walker layup and a good free throw after the and-one foul. 

Saint Francis hit three three-point baskets in the final five remaining minutes of the fourth quarter by Ricks, Aleah James, and Sajol Thornhill. These nine points, however, were not enough to help the Red Flash rally back to cut the deficit by more. 
 

FLASH MOMENTS
Saint Francis opened the game with strong, as Walker knocked down a pair of three-pointers in the first quarter to keep the Red Flash within striking distance.

The Red Flash made a push in the third quarter behind baskets from Sonia Sato, Giselle Eke, and Thornhill to trim the deficit.

Saint Francis continued to compete in the fourth quarter, led by Ricks, who scored inside and from beyond the arc. A late run included three-pointers from James and Thornhill.

Defensively, Saint Francis recorded several momentum plays, including three blocks from Ricks and two blocks each from Eke and Sato.

FLASH NUGGETS
Ricks reached double figures for the 13th time this season, finishing with a game-high 18 points and six rebounds.

Walker added another double-digit scoring performance, continuing her consistent offensive stretch to four games of double-digits.

Thornhill provided a spark off the bench providing nine points to the teams' total.

Saint Francis won its 399th NEC regular-season game against CCSU on January 17 and has lost the last five games, looking to become the first team in NEC history to reach 400 wins.

NEXT ON TAP
The Red Flash return to action at home against Le Moyne on Saturday. Game time is 2 p.m. Read Full Article