The men’s basketball team defeated Franciscan, 85-60, on Nov. 29 to pick up its first win of the season.
SFU’s victory over the Barons also marked the first head coaching win for SFU’s Luke McConnell.
“I’m happy with the win, and it is something that we can build upon,” said McConnell, who became head coach of the Red Flash last March, succeeding Rob Krimmel. “Defensively – especially inside – was a big key for the game.”
Senior Gestin Liberis – who missed all of last season with an injury – posted his third career double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Liberis made five of six shots from the floor and six of nine from the free throw line.
“We really needed it (the win),” said Liberis. “We have been playing hard the last couple of games, but they slipped away.
“We needed this win to get us going and set us on the right track.”
Sophomore Victor Payne added 15 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and three steals against the Barons.
Payne made four of six shots from the floor, including two three-pointers. Baltimore native Ahmad Harrison added 12 points for the Red Flash. It marked the third time in the last four games that Harrison has scored in double figures.
Ten different players scored for Saint Francis and SFU’s bench scored 32 points. The Flash outscored the Barons inside the paint, 50-22.
Junior Trey Weiand had a career-high nine points and five rebounds off the bench for McConnell’s team. Junior Ryen Gresko scored his first collegiate points on two free throws.
The Red Flash (1-6) return to action at Xavier on Monday, Dec. 1. The game tips off at 7 p.m and will be televised on truTV.
