Updated February 9, 2026
The Saint Francis Red Flash and the Chicago State Cougars are set for a Northeast Conference matchup on Monday, with both teams trying to gain traction in the closing stretch of the regular season. Saint Francis is looking to snap its three-game skid and improve its road record, while Chicago State hopes to build off a recent league win and fend off the Red Flash on its home floor. Here, I break down this contest in the NEC and give you my Saint Francis vs Chicago State prediction in college hoops.
Pick: Chicago State -3.5 ATS PRO
Confidence: 3/5
Both clubs enter this contest in the middle of dismal college basketball seasons. Saint Francis has struggled overall, carrying a 6-17 record with a 4-6 mark in NEC action, but the team is battle-tested and eager to reverse course. The Red Flash suffered three straight losses, including an 86-84 setback at Le Moyne College on Saturday, before turning its focus to Chicago State.
Chicago State sits at 4-20 and 2-9 against conference opponents. The Cougars earned a 63-57 victory over New Haven recently, led by Marcus Tankersley’s 19 points and production from Doyel Cockrill III, CJ Ray, and Joseph Owens. While Chicago State has been inconsistent, they have won two of their last three games and will try to stay hot with a win here.
Leading the way for the Red Flash is Skylar Wicks, who is posting 17.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, alongside Ahmad Harrison with double-figure scoring. Chicago State’s offense is led by CJ Ray at 13.7 points per game, with Tankersley close behind at 13.5.
Score Projection: Saint Francis 71 – Chicago State 76 ATS PRO
Win Probability: Saint Francis 41%, Chicago State 59% ATS PRO
I am going to lay the points with Chicago State in this NEC matchup on Monday afternoon. The Red Flash are struggling late in their final season as a Division I basketball program, while Chicago State is starting to find its footing against lower-tier NEC opponents. I'll go with Chicago State to protect their home floor here and to move closer to escaping the basement in the NEC with a win.
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