ERIE, Pa. (Interstat) — The Mercyhurst Lakers look to get back above .500 when they host the struggling Saint Francis (PA) Red Flash in a Northeast Conference men’s basketball matchup on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. The Lakers (11-12) enter having dropped a close 78-74 road game to Chicago State this past Saturday, snapping a three-game win streak. They will rely on forward Qadir Martin, who has been a consistent force. Martin is coming off a 19-point, 8-rebound, 3-block performance and has recorded at least one block in nine consecutive games, anchoring the team’s defense. Saint Francis (6-15) seeks to end a two-game skid after falling 81-69 to New Haven at home on Saturday. Guard Zion Russell led the Red Flash with 15 points and four assists in that loss and has scored in double figures in four of his last five outings. The game at Mercyhurst Athletic Center features two teams heading in opposite directions within conference play. The Lakers are 6-4 in their last 10 games, showing marked improvement after a tough start. Meanwhile, the Red Flash have lost 10 of their last 13 contests overall and have struggled on the road, with recent blowout losses at Florida and Temple in non-conference play. Historically, Mercyhurst has found success at home this season, including a decisive 79-61 win over Central Connecticut on Jan. 19 where Martin posted a double-double. Saint Francis will need to contain him and improve its defensive efficiency after allowing 90 or more points in two of its last four games. A win would move Mercyhurst closer to the top half of the NEC standings, while Saint Francis aims to salvage a split of its two-game road swing before returning home.