Full Breakdown
Saint Francis Men's Basketball Prepares for Annual Franciscan Battle
11/29/2025, 7:13:59 PM
Overview of the Matchup
The Saint Francis Red Flash men's basketball team is set to host the Franciscan Barons on November 29, 2025, marking the 42nd meeting in their historical rivalry that dates back to the 1947-48 season. The Red Flash leads the all-time series with a record of 32 wins to 9 losses and has secured victory in the last 18 encounters. This matchup is particularly significant for first-year head coach Luke McConnell, who is seeking his inaugural win as a head coach.
Historical Context
Saint Francis University, established in 1847, is one of the oldest Franciscan institutions in the United States, while Franciscan University of Steubenville, founded in 1946, is among the youngest. The two teams have a long-standing rivalry, with Franciscan's last victory against Saint Francis occurring in the 1967-68 season. The Red Flash's dominance has been evident since the series resumed in the 2017-18 season, with Saint Francis winning all six meetings since then.
Recent Performance
In their last outing, Saint Francis faced Troy in the consolation game of the Coconut Hoops Royal Palm Division, where they held the lead for nearly 25 minutes before losing 74-64. Skylar Wicks led the team with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Victor Payne and Zion Russell contributed 15 and 11 points, respectively. This performance highlighted the team's potential as they prepare for the upcoming game against Franciscan.
Significance of the Game
A victory for Saint Francis would not only mark their first win of the season but also extend their winning streak against Franciscan to 19 games. Additionally, it would be a symbolic win for McConnell, occurring two years to the day since former head coach Rob Krimmel achieved his 150th career victory. The Red Flash has a strong home record, having won three of their last four games at DeGol Arena.
Upcoming Schedule
Following the Franciscan game, Saint Francis will travel to Xavier on December 1, 2025, marking their first back-to-back games against teams from Ohio since the 2009-10 season. The Red Flash will then return home to face Penn State-Shenango on December 3 and conclude their non-conference schedule against Robert Morris on December 20.
Official Statements & Responses
Luke McConnell expressed optimism about the upcoming game, emphasizing the importance of securing a win for both the team and himself as a new head coach. He noted the historical significance of the matchup and the team's readiness to compete.
Conclusion
As the Saint Francis Red Flash prepares to face the Franciscan Barons, the game promises to be a pivotal moment for the team and its new head coach. With a storied rivalry and a chance to establish a winning record, the Red Flash will look to capitalize on their home court advantage and continue their dominance in this annual matchup.
