PHOENIXVILLE, PA- The women's basketball championship game of the final Assemblies of God Classic was held tonight, January 12, 2013, between the Kentucky Christian Knights and the Valley Forge Patriots. The game resulted in a disappointing loss for the Patriots, who were defeated by the Knights, 40-53.
The beginning of the first period became a battle of the offense, as both teams put up points but neither was able to break away with a solid lead. With seven left in the period, Kentucky put together a small run to lead the Patriots, 17-26. Neither team would score in the remaining two minutes, leaving Kentucky holding the lead going into break. While both teams took 25 shots, Kentucky was able to score 36% compared to the Patriots 28%. Kentucky held the rebound advantage, grabbing 22 boards while Valley Forge grabbed just nine.
As the second half started, Kentucky went on another hot streak and five minutes in, they led the Patriots by 16 points, (19-35). The Patriots wouldn't go out without a fight, pressuring the ball defensively and taking long-range shots to narrow the deficit. At the seven-minute-mark it looked as though the home team would make a comeback, getting within four points of the Knights (33-37). Kentucky responded quickly, going on a 10-0 and drawing several fouls to add to their score advantage and defeat the Patriots.
The biggest asset in the victory for Kentucky came down to the free-throws. Kentucky went to the line 14 times and scored on nine, while the Patriots went to the line just one time the entire game. Kentucky controlled the boards with 38 rebounds verses Valley Forge's 27. Both teams committed 14 turnovers on the night.
The Patriots'
Amanda Reich and
Amanda Compton were named to the All-Tournament team.
Amanda Reich was named All-Tournament MVP. Sharonda Jones and Tanya Bowens from Kentucky represented their school on the All-Tournament team, along with Treva Nutter from Trinity Bible College.
Amanda Reich recorded 16 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Morgan Godwin posted 13 points, three assists and two steals.
Vanity Jones grabbed nine rebounds along with five steals and four points.
Amanda Compton added seven rebounds, four points, two assists and one steal to the game.
The Patriots return to action, Wednesday, January 16, 2013. The women will travel to Clark Summit, Pa to compete against Baptist Bible College at 5 pm.
Go Patriots!
