PHOENIXVILLE, PA- The Valley Forge men's basketball competed in the championship game of the final Assemblies of God Classic, tonight, January 12, 2013, against the Ohio Christian University Trailblazers.  Despite a late surge, the Patriots were unable to capture the win and lost by a final score of 66-72.

The game got off to a lackluster start for the home team.  Four minutes into the period Ohio went on a 10-0 run, leading Valley Forge 14-4.  As the half continued, the Patriots started to crawl out of their slump, putting on the defensive pressure and scoring to chip away at the score- deficit.  The Patriots were able to keep the Trailblazers within arms-reach through-out the half, denying them a double-digit lead.  With just under two minute left before the break, the Patriots committed several sloppy turnovers that Ohio used to add to their score and went up, 25-35. However, drained free-throws from Dominic Cain and a last second three-pointer from Jean LeBlanc, cut the lead in half.  The Patriots would be within five points going into the break, 30-35.

In the second half, the Patriots played as a new team, transitioning faster and pressuring the ball harder.  Ohio's lead yo-yoed, from just three points to ten points. With a minute and a half, Patriots' Jean LeBlanc nabbed a steal and passed it off to teammate Kevin Mack, who sank a three-pointer to tie the game, 64-64.  Ohio would make good on their next shot, regaining the lead, 64-66.  Back on the Patriots end of the court, Jonathan Dukes was brought to the charity stripe, making both baskets to tie the score again with only 42 seconds left! Sadly Ohio came back, making both their attempted jump-shots and crashing the boards to prevent the Patriots from converting on an offensive rebound.  The game came down to the final seconds, but Ohio walked away with the win.

In the loss Kevin Mack and Lance Harris were named to the Assemblies of God All-Tournament Team.

Kevin Mack scored a game high 23 points, along with four rebounds and two steals.

Jonathan Dukes finished with 13 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Dominic Cain added a double-double on the season with 12 points and 15 rebounds.

The Patriots next game is Wednesday, January 16, 2013.  The men will travel to Clark Summit, Pa. to compete against Baptist Bible College at 7 pm.

Go Patriots!