| MATCHUP | Long Island University Sharks | St. Francis (PA) Red Flash |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 18-9 | 16-18 |
| Where | DeGol Arena, Loretto, PA | |
| When | Thursday, February 19, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | NEC Front Row | |
The Long Island University Sharks and the St. Francis PA Red Flash meet Thursday in college basketball action from DeGol Arena in Loretto. Here’s a Long Island U vs St. Francis PA prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best LIU vs St. Francis pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
LIU Sharks Betting Preview
Long Island U managed a 6-4 run over their first 10 games. Next came losses to Mississippi State, Florida International and Georgia in the ensuing three. Victories versus Central Connecticut, Chicago State, Mercyhurst, Saint Francis, Fairleigh Dickinson, Stonehill, Le Moyne, Central Connecticut, New Haven, Stonehill and Wagner came in the next 12 games, then a loss to New Haven.
On Monday in the rematch with Wagner the Sharks managed to carve out a six-point edge 37-31 by the break. LIU got better in the second half on a 46-34 run and cruised to the victory on their home court 83-65. Leading the charge was Jamal Fuller with 20 points, three rebounds and two assists. Malachi Davis added 19 points with four assists and three rebounds in 26 minutes of work.
St. Francis PA Red Flash Betting Preview
Over on the Saint Francis side, they were only able to win two of their opening 14 games this season. The Flash would then take out Fairleigh Dickinson, Wagner, Stonehill and Chicago State over the next six outings, however. Saint Francis fell versus New Haven, Mercyhurst, Le Moyne, Chicago State, Fairleigh Dickinson and Mercyhurst over a span of a half-dozen games.
Last weekend in the Mercyhurst game the Red Flash were facing a 14-point deficit 50-36 as the first half came to a close. St. Francis PA was outscored 44-43 the rest of the way and ended up losing a matchup on their home court 94-79. Skylar Wicks posted 33 points with five rebounds and five assists while Zion Russell chipped in 11 points with two assists in the loss.
LIU Sharks @ Saint Francis Red Flash Betting Trends: February 19, 2026
Why the Saint Francis Red Flash will win
- LIU has lost each of its last five away games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- The home team has won five of the last six games between LIU and Saint Francis.
- The home team has won the first half in five of the last six games between LIU and Saint Francis.
Why the LIU Sharks will win
- LIU has won each of its last 11 night games against the Northeast Conference.
- Saint Francis has lost each of its last six games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- LIU has won the first half in nine of its last 11 night games against the Northeast Conference.
Long Island U vs St. Francis PA Prediction
I’ll lean toward the Sharks. Long Island U posted a nice 58.2 percent shooting and 10-of-19 (52.6 percent) from outside in their win over Wagner on Monday. The Sharks had a 36-26 edge in the paint and were competitive on the boards as well. Long Island U is on a nice run these days, winning seven of their last eight games. The Sharks have scored fewer than 68 points in four of the last five, though.
Back on January 10 in the last meeting between these teams, the Sharks took a 67-63 victory on their home court. Long Island U shot a tepid 41 percent from the field, 16.7 percent (2-of-12) from outside and 60 percent (15-of-25) from the line. The 19 turnovers didn’t help either, but LIU made up for it with a 46-22 rebounding advantage. The road setting will make this one tricky but if the Sharks can clean up the mistakes they should be okay.