Saint Francis Edges Fairleigh Dickinson in Close Contest
Sunday, January 4, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · DeGol Arena
Saint Francis Red Wolves 85, Fairleigh Dickinson Knights 82, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Fairleigh Dickinson Knights vs Saint Francis Red Wolves?
Saint Francis Red Wolves beat Fairleigh Dickinson Knights 85-82 at DeGol Arena on January 4, 2026.
Who was favored in Fairleigh Dickinson Knights vs Saint Francis Red Wolves?
Fairleigh Dickinson Knights were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -130 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at DeGol Arena, the Saint Francis Red Wolves narrowly defeated the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights with a final score of 85-82. This victory marked an important moment for Saint Francis, who had been struggling with a home record of 3-12 prior to this game. The win also snapped a five-game losing streak for the Red Wolves, who had averaged 62.4 points in their last five games while allowing 89.8 points.
The Knights, on the other hand, entered the game with a record of 4-11 and were looking to build on their recent success, having won their last game against the Mercyhurst Lakers. Fairleigh Dickinson had averaged 69.6 points in their last ten games while allowing 65.7 points, showcasing a more balanced scoring effort compared to their opponents. However, despite their recent form, they were unable to secure the win in this tightly contested battle.
Historically, the Red Wolves have had the upper hand in their previous meetings against the Knights, winning both encounters last season. In their last matchup on February 22, 2025, Saint Francis won 85-80, and earlier that season, they claimed a 75-71 victory on January 12, 2025. This history likely provided a psychological edge for the Red Wolves as they took to the court.
In terms of player performance, the game featured several key moments that swayed the outcome. Notably, Paris Papadatos hit a crucial 29-foot three-point jumper with an assist from Ahmad Harrison, which brought the score to 85-82 in favor of the Red Wolves, sealing the game in the closing moments. The scoring plays in the final minutes were intense, with both teams trading free throws and baskets, highlighting the competitive nature of the contest.
The betting market had favored Fairleigh Dickinson, with DraftKings listing them as 2.5-point favorites. The total for the game was set at 143.5, indicating expectations for a relatively high-scoring affair. The odds reflected the close nature of the teams' records and their performances leading up to the game.
The conditions inside DeGol Arena were conducive to a high-energy matchup, with both teams bringing their best efforts to the floor. Fans witnessed a back-and-forth game, characterized by intense defense and strategic plays, as both teams fought for every point.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a showcase of resilience from Saint Francis, who, despite their struggles this season, found a way to rally and secure a much-needed victory. The Knights will need to regroup after this close loss, while the Red Wolves will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | FDU -2.5 | 143.5 o -110 / u -110 | Fairleigh Dickinson Knights -130 · Saint Francis Red Wolves +110 |
Leaders
- PointsSkylar Wicks24Saint Francis Red Wolves
- AssistsAhmad Harrison6Saint Francis Red Wolves
- ReboundsSkylar Wicks6Saint Francis Red Wolves
- PointsJoey Niesman23Fairleigh Dickinson Knights
- AssistsJoey Niesman5Fairleigh Dickinson Knights
- ReboundsTaeshaud Jackson9Fairleigh Dickinson Knights
Recent form
Saint Francis Red Wolves
Last 10: 2-8Streak L569.2 scored · 81.4 allowed per game2-2 at home
- 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
- W85-60vs Franciscan BaronsNov 29
- L64-74at Troy TrojansNov 26
- L57-94at Belmont BruinsNov 24
Fairleigh Dickinson Knights
Last 10: 4-6Streak W169.6 scored · 65.7 allowed per game1-4 away
- W74-67at Mercyhurst LakersJan 3
- L43-60at Minnesota Golden GophersDec 30
- L61-72at Boston College EaglesDec 23
- W76-42vs Lehman BridgesDec 19
- L54-75at Fordham RamsDec 11
- W86-38vs Manor Blue JaysDec 4
- L64-94at Providence FriarsDec 3
- L73-81vs Army Black KnightsNov 26
- L65-70vs East Texas A&M LionsNov 24
- W100-58vs Saint Elizabeth EaglesNov 19
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 | Fairleigh Dickinson Knights | Saint Francis Red Wolves |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-54 | 25-54 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 6-23 | 10-26 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 38 |
| Free throws | 26-33 | 25-30 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 23 |
| Assists | 12 | 17 |
| Steals | 3 | 4 |
| Blocks | 1 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 24 |
| Fouls | 22 | 24 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 46 | 30 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half53-50Joey Niesman makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half53-53Skylar Wicks makes 30-foot three point jumper (Ahmad Harrison assists)
- 2nd Half54-53Raysean Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-53Raysean Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-56Ahmad Harrison makes 28-foot three point jumper (Chris Moncrief assists)
- 2nd Half57-56Raysean Johnson makes layup (Cyril Martynov assists)
- 2nd Half60-56Joey Niesman makes 24-foot three point jumper (Raysean Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half60-58Skylar Wicks makes layup
- 2nd Half62-58Joey Niesman makes layup (Cyril Martynov assists)
- 2nd Half62-60Cameron Tweedy makes layup
- 2nd Half63-60Noah Melson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-60David Jevtic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-62Chris Moncrief makes 11-foot jumper (Paris Papadatos assists)
- 2nd Half64-64Chris Moncrief makes 7-foot jumper (Skylar Wicks assists)
- 2nd Half64-66Paris Papadatos makes layup
- 2nd Half67-66Eric Parnell makes 23-foot three point jumper (Joey Niesman assists)
- 2nd Half67-67Skylar Wicks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-67Taeshaud Jackson makes layup
- 2nd Half70-67Taeshaud Jackson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half70-69Skylar Wicks makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half71-69Taeshaud Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-69Taeshaud Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-71Gestin Liberis makes layup (Paris Papadatos assists)
- 2nd Half72-73Skylar Wicks makes 19-foot jumper
- 2nd Half74-73Cyril Martynov makes layup (Taeshaud Jackson assists)
- 2nd Half74-74Skylar Wicks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-75Skylar Wicks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-75Raysean Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-76Ahmad Harrison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-77Ahmad Harrison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-77Raysean Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-80Skylar Wicks makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ahmad Harrison assists)
- 2nd Half78-80Taeshaud Jackson makes layup
- 2nd Half78-81Chris Moncrief makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-82Chris Moncrief makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-82Taeshaud Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-82Joey Niesman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-82Cyril Martynov makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-82Cyril Martynov makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-85Paris Papadatos makes 29-foot three point jumper (Ahmad Harrison assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Saint Francis Red Wolves, below favours Fairleigh Dickinson Knights.
Venue
- DeGol ArenaLoretto, PA
- Attendance381
- OfficialsMike Millione, Jermaine Rogers, Ryan Sassano
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond