Box Score

MIDDLETON, PA - The VFCC men's basketball team won their eighth straight game on Wednesday night (Jan. 25) against the Nittany Lions of Penn State Harrisburg by a final score of 86-84. A very good PSU Harrisburg team had been the winners of seven straight games prior to tonight, and currently hold the top spot in the North Eastern Atlantic Conference (NEAC) with a 14-3 season record.

After a back and forth first half, Valley Forge carried a slim three point lead to the break.  During halftime, the Patriots changed up their game plan and began to take control of the game, extended their lead to 13 points at the second half midpoint.  Penn State Harrisburg, a very good shooting basketball team, continued to make their shots and climbed their way back into the lead with just under 2:00 to play.  VFCC, finding themselves still down one point at the :30 mark, stayed tough on the offensive boards as Michael Stum put back his own rebound to give the Patriots the lead with 8.3 seconds to play.  After a missed free throw, given to PSU on a Valley Forge defensive mistake, the Patriots grabbed the rebound and found themselves on the free throw line after yet another PSU foul.  PSU was not able to sink a half court heave at the buzzer, giving the Patriots the victory.
 
The Patriots credit tonight's win to the play of their forwards, who helped control the boards for VFCC giving them the 37-30 rebound margin.  Fouls and free throws also played a major role in tonight's contest as both teams combined for an overwhelming 49 total fouls on the night.  The Patriots were able to shoot an impressive 22-of-29 from the free throw line, which had a direct impact on the result.  PSU Harrisburg was not to be outdone, and also hit an incredible 19-of-22 free throws.  VFCC also finished the game shooting 50% from the field, while holding PSU to just 43%.

Tonight's top performers for the Patriots were their three senior forwards, led by senior Latrell Alford (Crisfield, MD, Crisfield Senior High School). Alford finished with a double-double, 22 points and 10 rebounds, and also recorded 2 blocked shots and grabbed 2 steals on the night. Alford also went 3-for-4 from beyond the arc and was perfect from the free throw line.

Senior Justin Kinsey (Philadelphia, PA, International Christian High School) also had an impressive night, recording his first double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Kinsey also finished a perfect 5-for-5 from the charity stripe.

Senior Michael Stum (Manheim, PA, Manheim Central High School) finished just shy of a double-double performance, recording 19 points and grabbing 8 rebounds.

With tonight's win, Valley Forge improves to 17-5 on the season. The Patriots will next travel to Lanham, MD on Tuesday (Jan. 31) to square off against Washington Bible College.