The men’s basketball team is back in action and here’s what to know after the first four games of the new season.
To say that SFU had a challenging start to its season is an understatement. Saint Francis opened the 2024-25 schedule with games on the road against Dayton, Clemson, Campbell and Penn State.
In the Dayton and Penn State games, the Red Flash kept it close early before big runs from the Flyers and the Nittany Lions buried SFU.
“I would say rebounding and defensive communication,” said junior guard Chris Moncrief when asked about how the team could improve. The Pittsburgh-area native also noted that turnovers have been a problem in the early going.
Saint Francis committed 24 turnovers against Penn State, which contributed to a 23-3 Nittany Lions run in the second half.
The run extended PSU’s lead from seven to 27 points. Saint Francis would ultimately lose by 30, despite leading the game with two minutes remaining in the first half.
The best game for the Red Flash this year was a nailbiter one-point victory against Campbell on Nov. 10. Despite trailing by 11 against the Camels at halftime, the Flash earned a 65-64 win.
“The key (at Campbell) was just understanding the scouting report,” said Moncrief. “What turned it around was that we started to execute on offense in the second half and tighten up defensively.”
Saint Francis showed up on defense in the second half at Campbell – after allowing 42 points in the first, SFU gave up just 22 to the Camels in the game’s final 20 minutes.
Ace Talbert and East Carolina transfer Valentino Pinedo led the way, with 18 and 15 points respectively.
Bobby Rosenberger is off to a fast start in his sophomore season. He poured in 10 against Campbell and posted a team-high 14 points in the loss at Penn State.
Rosenberger is currently the team’s leading scorer, averaging 11 points per game. He is second on the team in rebounding at 4.0 per game and is shooting a team-best 47 percent from the field.
Saint Francis faces former Northeast Conference rival Mount Saint Mary’s this Saturday at 7 p.m. in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The match-up can be viewed on ESPN+.
