A 55-Year Rivalry Reignited, But Temple Dominates in a High-Scoring Showdown
In a highly anticipated matchup that hadn’t occurred in over five decades, the Saint Francis Red Flash men’s basketball team faced off against Temple on Sunday—but the outcome wasn’t what fans had hoped for. Temple emerged victorious in this non-conference clash, leaving Saint Francis to regroup after a 95-67 defeat. But here’s where it gets interesting: despite the lopsided score, the game was far from one-sided in effort or individual brilliance.
What You Need to Know
Temple secured the win, but Saint Francis had standout performances that kept the game competitive in moments. Skylar Wicks led the charge for the Red Flash, pouring in 22 points and grabbing five rebounds, proving once again why he’s a cornerstone of the team. Zion Russell wasn’t far behind, contributing 14 points and dishing out a career-high seven assists—a stat that highlights his growing playmaking prowess.
The Turning Point
The Owls set the tone early, scoring 12 of the first 14 points and never relinquishing control. By halftime, they had built a commanding 23-point lead, a deficit Saint Francis couldn’t overcome despite a spirited second-half effort. And this is the part most people miss: the Red Flash actually outscored Temple in key stretches, including a 16-5 run fueled by Wicks’ explosive scoring. Yet, Temple’s early dominance proved insurmountable.
Flash Moments That Stood Out
Saint Francis showed glimpses of brilliance, particularly in the second half. Wicks’ 11-point outburst during a 16-5 run included an 8-0 personal streak in just 59 seconds—a highlight reel moment. Chris Moncrief and Cam Tweedy closed out the first half with crucial baskets, while Gestin Liberis and Russell opened the second half with back-to-back scores. These flashes of potential hint at what the team is capable of when firing on all cylinders.
Nuggets of Insight
Wicks’ 22-point performance marked his fourth 20-point game for Saint Francis and the seventh of his career, a testament to his consistency. For Russell, reaching double figures for the seventh time this season underscores his reliability, while his seven assists tied a team record against Division I opponents—a feat last achieved by Riley Parker in 2024. Liberis, playing in front of his hometown crowd for the first time, delivered a solid six points and six rebounds, continuing his streak of five-board games.
Controversial Take: Was the 55-Year Gap a Factor?
Here’s a thought: Could the 55-year hiatus between these teams have impacted Saint Francis’ performance? Rust in rivalry games is real, and Temple’s early surge might have caught the Red Flash off guard. But is that a valid excuse, or simply a missed opportunity? Let’s debate this in the comments.
What’s Next for the Red Flash?
Saint Francis hits the road again on Wednesday, facing nationally-ranked Florida in their final non-conference game of the season. Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m. ET, airing on the SEC Network. Will they bounce back from this loss, or will the Gators prove too formidable? Tune in to find out—and don’t forget to share your predictions below!
