CHICAGO (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum in Northeast Conference play will meet Thursday when the Chicago State Cougars host the Saint Francis (PA) Red Flash in a women’s basketball matchup at Jones Convocation Center.

Both teams enter with struggling overall records. Saint Francis (PA) is 2-15, while Chicago State sits at 3-16. Each squad, however, is coming off a conference victory this past Saturday, offering a potential turning point.

The Red Flash snapped a skid with a 74-63 road win at Central Connecticut. Guard Aleah James led the way with 19 points in 26 minutes, continuing her consistent play. Over her last four games, James is averaging 10.3 points. She will be a focal point for a Saint Francis offense that has shown flashes, including a 75-point outing in a win over Wagner on Jan. 8, but has also been held under 50 points four times this season.

Chicago State countered with a 61-55 victory at Le Moyne, fueled by a strong defensive effort. Forward Tania Allen anchored that performance with a notable stat line of 10 points, five blocks and one assist in 31 minutes. Allen’s rim protection will be key against a Saint Francis team looking to build on its recent scoring output.

The Cougars’ season has been marked by narrow conference contests, including a 51-48 win over Stonehill and the recent six-point win at Le Moyne. Their defense, led by Allen’s presence, will test the Red Flash.

This game is the first of a home-and-home series between the teams, who will meet again in Pennsylvania on Jan. 29. With both programs hungry to string together wins, Thursday’s contest represents a critical opportunity to gain ground in the conference standings.

Tip-off is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in Chicago.