Box Score

PHOENIXVILLE, PA - After overcoming a six point halftime deficit, the VFCC men's basketball team overpowered the Philadelphia Biblical University Crimson Eagles in the second half en route to an 81-61 win on Thursday night (Feb. 9).  After opening up with an 8-5 lead, Valley Forge seemed to get too comfortable in their play and allowed PBU to go on a 17-4 scoring run to take a nine point lead midway through the first.  PBU was able to open that lead to 13 points (18-31) before VFCC was able to begin reeling them in during the waning minutes of the first half. 

The second half was a completely different story as the Patriots were able to gain back the lead within the first few minutes of play.  After a back and forth next few minutes, Valley Forge slowly began to extend their lead.  By the midway point of the second half the Patriots led by double digits and were able to control the energy in the "Pit" and keep the Crimson Eagles in check down the stretch.

Tonight the Patriots were outrebounded by a slim margin (37-35), but led the Crimson Eagles in steals (19-11) and turnovers (21-37).  In addition to turning up the offense in the second half, a strong defensive showing helped push Valley Forge to victory as they were able to force 20 PBU turnovers, and win the boards 20-16.

Leading the Patriots to victory was senior Latrell Alford who finished with 26 points, including a 19 point second half showing, and 6 rebounds.  Alford also finished with a game high 5 steals.

Senior Michael Stum finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds.

Senior Justin Kinsey was one rebound away from a double-double, finishing with 14 points and 9 rebounds, including shooting 4-of-5 from beyond the arc.

Junior Donnell Davis finished the game with 10 points and a game high 4 assists.

The Crimson Eagles were powered tonight by senior Adam Derus who had a night that the Patriots would hope to soon forget.  Derus scored a game high, and personal best, 38 points in only 27 minutes of play.  During that time he was a perfect 11-of-11 from the free throw line, hit 7 of an attempted 11 three-pointers, and was 10-for-19 from the field overall.  Derus had bucketed 23 points in the first half alone.  Additionally, Charles Kennedy led the Crimson Eagles with a game high 16 rebounds.

Up next for the Patriots will be a pair of Penn State foes; PSU - Schuylkill on Saturday (Feb. 11), followed by PSU - Lehigh Valley on Monday (Feb. 13), before their final East Region matchup of the regular season against Lancaster Bible College on Thursday (Feb. 16).  A Patriots' win over the LBC Chargers will clinch the top spot in the NCCAA II East Region tournament.