New Haven didn’t need a dramatic finish — it built one. The Chargers (10-12) outlasted St. Francis (PA) 81-69 on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2026, using a composed second half to turn a manageable halftime edge into a comfortable road win.

Quick hit: Second half execution decided it

The game’s shape was clear by the break: New Haven led 41-37 at halftime, then stayed on the front foot after intermission. The Chargers put up 40 points in the second half to St. Francis’ 32, widening the gap without needing overtime.

How it unfolded

First half: Chargers set the tone, but St. Francis stays attached

New Haven’s 41-point first half gave it the early advantage, but St. Francis kept the game within one or two possessions by answering with 37 before halftime. The margin — four points — left everything in play.

Second half: New Haven stacks stops and points

The Chargers were simply cleaner after the break. They matched their first-half scoring pace with another 40 points, while holding St. Francis to 32. That eight-point differential in the second half was the swing, pushing the final margin to 12.

Turning point

Halftime was the hinge. With New Haven up 41-37, the door was open for a home push. Instead, the Chargers controlled the second half on both ends — scoring 40 and limiting St. Francis to 32 — and the game never fully tilted back.

What it means going forward

For New Haven, the win reinforces a team capable of closing games with pace and poise. The Chargers entered on a WLLWW stretch and added another result that fits that profile: a solid road performance built on sustained second-half offense.

For St. Francis (PA), the takeaway is urgency after the break. Hanging within four at halftime is a workable script — but the second-half margin (32-40) shows how quickly a competitive game can slip when the opponent maintains its scoring level and you don’t.

Game details

League: NCAA
Season: 2025-26
Date: Feb. 1, 2026
Venue: TBD
Final: New Haven Chargers 81, St. Francis (PA) 69
Halftime: New Haven 41, St. Francis (PA) 37
Second half: New Haven 40, St. Francis (PA) 32