DE WITT, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a matchup of teams desperately seeking a positive turn, the Le Moyne Dolphins found just enough composure in the final seconds to hold off the Saint Francis (PA) Red Flash 73-69 in a Northeast Conference women’s basketball game Friday night at Ted Grant Court.

The game, witnessed by 179 fans, was a back-and-forth affair that saw 10 lead changes and was tied on seven occasions. It ultimately hinged on a critical defensive stop and a single free throw in the game’s final three seconds.

Saint Francis (0-12), still in search of its first win of the season, fought back from a nine-point deficit early in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 69-69 on a Sonia Sato layup with 5:14 remaining. The Red Flash then had multiple opportunities to take the lead or tie in the final minute but could not convert.

With the Dolphins clinging to a 72-71 lead, Saint Francis guard Shelby Ricks was fouled on a drive with 3.1 seconds left. Ricks, who finished with a game-high 21 points, missed both free throws. Le Moyne’s Amya McLeod secured the defensive rebound and was immediately fouled.

McLeod made the first of two free throws to extend the lead to 73-71. After missing the second, a chaotic final sequence saw Saint Francis’ Gemma Walker attempt a desperation three-pointer, which was blocked by Le Moyne’s Praise Matthews as time expired, sealing the victory for the home team.

The loss was particularly gut-wrenching for the Red Flash, who had shown significant fight after a difficult non-conference slate. Makyiah Ward orchestrated the offense with 15 points and six assists, while Sato provided a crucial interior presence with 13 points and four blocked shots.

Le Moyne (3-11) was led by a balanced attack. Ashley Buragas scored 16 points, including several key free throws down the stretch, while Kayden Clark added 13 points. Eli Clark facilitated with 12 points and six assists, and Sierra Linnin chipped in 11 points.

The game’s tempo was set early, with both teams trading runs. Saint Francis started strong, building an early 8-3 lead behind Ricks and Cassandra Hawthorne. Le Moyne responded with a 17-4 burst, fueled by three-pointers from Linnin and Kayden Clark, to take a 25-21 lead after the first quarter.

The Dolphins maintained a narrow advantage for much of the second and third quarters, but could never fully shake the persistent Red Flash. Saint Francis’s defense, led by Sato’s shot-blocking, kept them within striking distance, setting the stage for the tense final period.

The most important part of the game unfolded in the last 30 seconds. With Le Moyne leading 72-69, Makyiah Ward was fouled on a three-point attempt with 24.4 seconds left. She made the first two free throws to cut the deficit to one but missed the third. After an Eli Clark free throw extended Le Moyne’s lead back to two, Saint Francis executed a play to get Ricks, their leading scorer, driving to the basket. The foul call gave her a chance to tie or take the lead from the line, but the missed free throws ultimately doomed the Red Flash’s comeback bid.

Statistically, the game was remarkably even. Saint Francis held a slight 32-30 edge in points in the paint, while Le Moyne had an 18-17 advantage in points off turnovers. Both teams struggled from three-point range and the free-throw line, with the final minutes becoming a test of nerve at the charity stripe that Le Moyne narrowly passed.

The win gives Le Moyne a positive start to conference play and a modest two-game winning streak. For Saint Francis, the search for that elusive first victory continues, though the performance offered signs of potential as the NEC schedule progresses. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Loretto, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 7.