Both teams came out firing from beyond the arc, setting an exciting tone to start the game. St. Joseph found success in the paint with strong finishes and consistent dribble penetration, while St. Francis capitalized on off-ball movement and second-chance opportunities to stay competitive. Late in the first half, St. Francis' defense backed off the three-point line, allowing St. Joseph to hit open shots and close the gap. However, St. Francis' dominance on the boards and second-chance points helped them secure a 26-20 lead heading into halftime.
The second half mirrored the first, with St. Francis continuing to generate open looks from offensive rebounds and St. Joseph countering with effective three-point shooting. As the game progressed, St. Joseph gained momentum and took the lead through their sharpshooting, while St. Francis battled hard to stay within reach. In the final minutes, foul trouble challenged St. Francis' defensive intensity, allowing St. Joseph to control the pace and close out the game with a 47-42 victory.