NCAAB · Final

Central Connecticut Edges Saint Francis in High-Scoring Affair

Saturday, January 17, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · DeGol Arena

Central Connecticut Blue Devils 98, Saint Francis Red Wolves 90, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Central Connecticut Blue Devils vs Saint Francis Red Wolves?

Central Connecticut Blue Devils beat Saint Francis Red Wolves 98-90 at DeGol Arena on January 17, 2026.

Who was favored in Central Connecticut Blue Devils vs Saint Francis Red Wolves?

Central Connecticut Blue Devils were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -278 (about 74% implied). The favorite won.

In a thrilling matchup at DeGol Arena, the Central Connecticut Blue Devils triumphed over the Saint Francis Red Wolves with a final score of 98-90. This game showcased the offensive capabilities of both teams, particularly the Blue Devils, who have been in strong form recently. Central Connecticut entered this game with a record of 10-6 and riding a three-game winning streak, while the Red Wolves struggled with a 4-14 record, having lost their last game.

The recent form of both teams highlights the contrasting trajectories they have been on. Over their last ten games, Central Connecticut has secured six wins against four losses, averaging 79.6 points scored per game while allowing 73.7 points. In contrast, Saint Francis has managed just three victories in their last ten outings, with an average of 70.5 points scored and a concerning 80.4 points allowed. This disparity in scoring averages suggests that Central Connecticut has been more effective offensively and defensively in recent weeks.

When considering home and away performances, Central Connecticut has a solid away record of 2-3, while Saint Francis has struggled with a home record of 2-2 in their last ten games. This context added to the anticipation of the fixture, as the Blue Devils aimed to capitalize on their momentum against a Red Wolves team that has faced challenges throughout the season.

Historically, the matchup has seen Central Connecticut lead the series with a record of 2-1 over the last three meetings. In their previous encounter on March 11, 2025, Central Connecticut edged out Saint Francis with a narrow victory of 46-43. However, in earlier matchups, Saint Francis had suffered defeats, including a 67-83 loss on February 15, 2025, and a 59-74 loss on January 4, 2025. This history added an extra layer of intrigue as the Red Wolves sought to turn the tide at home.

In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but such factors can often play a crucial role in the outcome of games. The absence of key players can significantly impact a team's performance, especially in close contests like this one.

The betting market reflected Central Connecticut's status as favorites, with DraftKings pricing them at -6.5 on the spread and -278 on the money line, while Saint Francis was listed at +225 on the money line. The total for the game was set at 144.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair, which ultimately proved accurate given the final score.

Conditions during the game were typical for a mid-January evening, with both teams showcasing their skills in front of a home crowd for Saint Francis. Fans witnessed a fast-paced game characterized by offensive plays and strategic adjustments. Key moments included several successful free throws by Central Connecticut's players, including Jay Rodgers and Darin Smith Jr., who contributed to the Blue Devils' scoring in the second half.

As the game progressed, Central Connecticut maintained their lead, with significant contributions from players like Zion Russell, who hit a crucial three-pointer, and Ahmad Harrison, who also made a notable three-point shot. The Blue Devils' ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities and maintain their composure in the closing moments ultimately secured their victory.

Overall, this matchup not only highlighted the offensive prowess of Central Connecticut but also underscored the ongoing struggles of Saint Francis. The Blue Devils' recent form and historical edge in the series proved decisive, as they continue to build momentum in the NCAAB season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	CCSU -6.5	144.5 o -110 / u -110	Central Connecticut Blue Devils -278 · Saint Francis Red Wolves +225

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsAhmad Harrison17Saint Francis Red Wolves
AssistsAhmad Harrison7Saint Francis Red Wolves
ReboundsGestin Liberis9Saint Francis Red Wolves
PointsDarin Smith Jr.34Central Connecticut Blue Devils
AssistsJay Rodgers13Central Connecticut Blue Devils
ReboundsDarin Smith Jr.9Central Connecticut Blue Devils

Recent form

Saint Francis Red Wolves

Last 10: 3-7Streak L170.5 scored · 80.4 allowed per game2-2 at home

L63-67at Long Island University SharksJan 10
W71-69at Wagner SeahawksJan 9
W85-82vs Fairleigh Dickinson KnightsJan 4
L58-84vs Le Moyne DolphinsJan 3
L70-79vs Robert Morris ColonialsDec 20
L61-102at Florida GatorsDec 17
L67-95at Temple OwlsDec 14
L56-89at Radford HighlandersDec 7
W100-41vs Penn State Shenango Nittany LionsDec 4
L74-96at Xavier MusketeersDec 2

Central Connecticut Blue Devils

Last 10: 6-4Streak W379.6 scored · 73.7 allowed per game2-3 away

W69-59at Le Moyne DolphinsJan 10
W76-69vs Stonehill SkyhawksJan 9
W72-61vs New Haven ChargersJan 4
L78-84at Long Island University SharksJan 3
L70-84vs Fairfield StagsDec 19
W84-67at Binghamton BearcatsDec 13
L56-73at Northeastern HuskiesDec 7
L61-77at Seton Hall PiratesDec 4
W122-57vs Johnson & Wales GriffinsNov 30
W108-106vs Sacred Heart PioneersNov 25

Standings

Team	Overall	Games behind	In conference
Long Island University	24-11	-	15-3
Central Connecticut	18-12	3	12-6
Mercyhurst	17-17	5	10-8
Le Moyne	15-17	5	10-8
New Haven	14-17	6	9-9
Wagner	14-17	7	8-10
Stonehill	12-21	7	8-10
Fairleigh Dickinson	11-21	7	8-10
Saint Francis	7-24	10	5-13
Chicago State	7-25	10	5-13

Box score

Stat	Central Connecticut Blue Devils	Saint Francis Red Wolves
Field goals	30-50	31-67
Field goal %	60	46
Three-pointers	11-19	12-31
Three-point %	58	39
Free throws	27-34	16-22
Free throw %	79	73
Rebounds	27	37
Offensive rebounds	4	16
Defensive rebounds	23	21
Assists	21	19
Steals	4	3
Blocks	0	0
Turnovers	7	6
Team turnovers	1	1
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	8	12
Fast-break points	17	10
Points in the paint	24	24
Fouls	17	23
Largest lead	14	0
Lead changes	0	0
Time in front	98	0

How the scoring went

2nd Half71-61Gestin Liberis makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half72-61Max Frazier makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half73-61Max Frazier makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half73-63Gestin Liberis makes 5-foot jumper (Chris Moncrief assists)
2nd Half73-65Gestin Liberis makes layup
2nd Half73-67Gestin Liberis makes layup
2nd Half75-67Melo Sanchez makes layup
2nd Half78-67Darin Smith Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jay Rodgers assists)
2nd Half78-69Gestin Liberis makes 4-foot dunk
2nd Half80-69Darin Smith Jr. makes layup
2nd Half80-71Chris Moncrief makes 11-foot jumper (Gestin Liberis assists)
2nd Half80-72Skylar Wicks makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half80-73Skylar Wicks makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half82-73Max Frazier makes layup (Jay Rodgers assists)
2nd Half82-75Skylar Wicks makes 19-foot jumper (Gestin Liberis assists)
2nd Half82-76Gestin Liberis makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half82-77Gestin Liberis makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half83-77Jay Rodgers makes free throw 2 of 3
2nd Half84-77Jay Rodgers makes free throw 3 of 3
2nd Half84-78Gestin Liberis makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half86-78Darin Smith Jr. makes 13-foot jumper
2nd Half86-79Skylar Wicks makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half86-80Skylar Wicks makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half87-80Jay Rodgers makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half88-80Jay Rodgers makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half89-80Darin Smith Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half90-80Darin Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half90-81Skylar Wicks makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half90-82Skylar Wicks makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half91-82Elijah Parker makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half91-84Zion Russell makes layup
2nd Half92-84Jay Rodgers makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half93-84Jay Rodgers makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half94-84Darin Smith Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half95-84Darin Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half95-87Zion Russell makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ahmad Harrison assists)
2nd Half96-87Melo Sanchez makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half97-87Melo Sanchez makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half97-90Ahmad Harrison makes 27-foot three point jumper
2nd Half98-90Melo Sanchez makes free throw 1 of 2

Win probability

Above the line favours Saint Francis Red Wolves, below favours Central Connecticut Blue Devils.