Preview: Struggling Saint Francis (PA) Faces Surging Long Island in NEC Women’s Basketball Clash NEW YORK (Interstat) — A stark contrast in fortunes will be on display Thursday night when the Long Island Sharks host the Saint Francis (PA) Red Flash in a Northeast Conference women’s basketball matchup at the Wellness, Recreation & Athletic Center. The Sharks (16-8) enter the contest riding high, having won six of their last seven games to solidify their position in the upper tier of the NEC. The Red Flash (2-22), meanwhile, are mired in a 10-game losing streak and are still seeking their first conference win of the season. Long Island, which defeated Saint Francis (PA) 77-61 in Loretto on Jan. 10, is powered by forward Kadidia Toure. The standout is coming off a monumental performance in a 78-74 overtime win against New Haven on Feb. 14, where she logged 43 minutes and recorded 26 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 blocks. Over her last five games, Toure has averaged 18.4 points and 12.2 rebounds, presenting a formidable challenge for any opponent. Saint Francis (PA) will look to guard Shelby Ricks to provide a spark. Ricks is averaging 11.3 points over her last six contests, including an 18-point effort against Mercyhurst on Feb. 5. However, the Red Flash have consistently struggled to find consistent offense, failing to reach 65 points in any game during their current skid. In the Jan. 10 meeting, Long Island’s depth proved decisive. While Toure had 12 points and 4 assists, the Sharks saw four players score in double figures to pull away in the second half. The Sharks have been strong at home this season, while the Red Flash have found wins elusive on the road. For Saint Francis (PA) to snap its prolonged slump, it will need to contain Toure’s all-around dominance and find scoring support beyond Ricks. Long Island aims to continue its push toward the NEC tournament with a methodical performance against the conference’s last-place team. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST on Thursday, Feb. 19.