New Haven Chargers vs St. Francis (PA) Red Flash Betting Preview
The New Haven Chargers head to Loretto to face the St. Francis (PA) Red Flash in a Northeast Conference matchup at DeGol Arena. New Haven enters with a 9-12 record and looks to rebound after a loss to Mercyhurst, while St. Francis (PA) aims to extend its 6-14 season and 5-6 home mark after beating Chicago State. With the Red Flash favored by 1.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between New Haven’s inside scoring and St. Francis’ uptempo offense.
Line Movement and Odds
St. Francis (PA) is favored, but New Haven’s shooting efficiency makes this line worth tracking. Current market:
- New Haven Spread: +1.5 (-111)
- St. Francis (PA) Spread: -1.5 (-109)
- New Haven MoneyLine: +101
- St. Francis (PA) MoneyLine: -122
- Total: 131.5 (-110)
Follow the college basketball odds board for real-time updates, especially as bettors weigh St. Francis’ pace against New Haven’s defensive intensity.
Matchup Breakdown
New Haven Outlook
The Chargers average 64.1 points per game, with Andre Pasha, Kheni Briggs, and Tyrese Samuel leading the offense. Pasha’s 15 points vs Mercyhurst highlighted his efficiency, while Briggs’ 11 points showcased his consistency. New Haven’s efficiency (9-12 overall record; 53.1% two-point shooting, 169th nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score inside and defend makes them dangerous even as underdogs.
St. Francis (PA) Outlook
The Red Flash average 69.8 points per game, with Skylar Wicks, Zion Russell, and Josh Cohen driving production. Wicks’ 20 points and 11 rebounds vs Chicago State highlighted his dominance, while Russell’s double-double showcased his balance. St. Francis’ efficiency (6-14 overall record; 5-6 at home; 73.4 possessions per game, 49th nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to play fast and rebound makes them tough to beat in Loretto.
Key Factors
This matchup may hinge on tempo and rebounding. New Haven thrives on Pasha’s inside scoring and Briggs’ consistency, while St. Francis must rely on Wicks’ rebounding and Russell’s playmaking to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.
Injuries / Availability
New Haven: The Chargers report no fresh injury concerns heading into Saturday’s contest.
St. Francis (PA): The Red Flash are expected to have their full rotation available.
Environment
DeGol Arena has been a steady venue for St. Francis, where they’ve gone 5-6 this season. New Haven, however, has struggled away from home (3-9), making this a clash of Red Flash’s home steadiness versus Chargers’ attempt to break through on the road.
Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: St. Francis (PA) 68, New Haven 62
- St. Francis (PA) -1.5 → Best Bet. Their uptempo pace and rebounding suggest they can cover the spread.
- Under 131.5 → Total play. New Haven’s slower tempo points toward a combined score below the line.
St. Francis’ depth and pace should carry them to victory, while New Haven’s inside scoring keeps the spread competitive. Expect a contest that leans lower-scoring, with totals landing just under the posted number.
Handicappers and Service Plays
NEC games often spotlight tempo mismatches and defensive battles. Our Best Handicappers highlight analysts who specialize in mid-major conference trends, while the Leaderboard tracks who’s delivering consistent returns. For New Haven vs St. Francis (PA), expert breakdowns in Buy Picks can help bettors decide whether the spread or total offers the sharper edge.


