CLARKS SUMMIT, PA – It's been a long time since the Valley Forge men's basketball team has been able to garner a victory against Baptist Bible College (PA).  In fact, prior to last night, it had been over 10 years since the Patriots bested the Defenders.

It has actually been a few years since the two teams have been able to compete in a regular season game, and the Patriots were pleased with results of the long awaited rematch.

Full-court pressure defense, solid rebounding and efficient free-throw shooting were major contributing factors in the Patriots' 66-56 victory.

Entering the contest, the Patriots were very concerned with Baptist Bible's 6-9 new addition, Matt Roberts.  In Roberts' first game in a Defenders' jersey, he managed 20 points, eight rebounds, and two blocked shots in a non-conference overtime victory over Cazenovia College.  Having already prepared for Baptist Bible's top players, Tommy Waszaj and Nathan Greve, the second semester addition of a Roberts, added a new wrinkle.

Still, nothing changed in the Patriots' game plan.  If anything, the focus on pressure defense and rebounding was stressed even more.

The Patriots' responded, as they dominated Baptist Bible on the boards, 41-26.  Valley Forge held the advantage in second chance points (19-8), as they were able to capitalize on their 16 offensive rebounds.

That rebounding edge was critical, as Baptist Bible would manage to shoot with a fair level of efficiency.  Baptist Bible shot 47.1% compared to Valley Forge's 38.6%.

Another critical factor was free-throw shooting.  The Patriots managed more trips to the charity stripe (24-7) and had one of their better performances by knocking down 75% of their tries (18-for-24).

The Patriots led by as many as 12 points in the first half (21-9), but Baptist Bible made some adjustments and climbed their way back into the game.  In fact, with 13:05 remaining, Baptist Bible regained the lead (39-38) for the first time since the 15-minute mark in the first half.  A three-pointer by Valley Forge's Andrew Godwin moments later (12:57), helped the Patriots gain the lead right back (41-39).

For the remainder of the contest, the Patriots would toy around with a 5-point cushion until Baptist Bible was forced to foul.  A couple of late three-pointers by Waszaj and Greve gave Baptist Bible a glimpse of hope, but fouling was still necessary, and the Patriots made their free-throws.

Justin Kinsey (Philadelphia, PA, Manor College) paced the way offensively for the Patriots with 15 points.

Michael Stum (Manheim, PA, Manheim Central High School) recorded 11 points and nine rebounds.

Shawn Taylor (Philadelphia, PA, USC Aiken) recorded a game-high 14 rebounds in 20 minutes of action.

Steve Sims (Womelsdorf, PA, Abington High School) led in steals once again with three.

With the victory the Patriots improve to 14-2 overall and are currently riding a 12-game win streak.  

Now, the Patriots must prepare for a challenging road trip to Springfield, Missouri to face tough NCCAA competitors.  In Missouri they will play Baptist Bible College (MO), Central Bible College, Trinity Bible College, and North Central University.