GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Valley Forge Christian College men's basketball team suffered a tough road loss at the beginning of a pivotal trip to Michigan on Thursday, January 31. Despite holding an 18 point lead midway through the second period, the Patriots were unable to maintain their advantage and lost, 72-77.
The Patriots took the early and steady lead, going on a 10-2 run, leading the Cougars 14-2 at the 14:32 minute mark. From there, despite a sloppy string of turnovers, the men were able to keep the score in their favor. With 3:11 left before the break, the Patriots led by 11 points, (30-19). The Cougars picked up their defense, forcing three straight turnovers to convert for seven points to trail by just four points at the half, 30-26.
The Patriots continued to extent their lead well into the second period. The men put on the pressure, forcing turnover after turnover on the Cougars and executed their plays perfectly. Four minutes in, the Patriots got into a rhythm, going on a 12-2 run, leading Kuyper, 54-36 with 12:14 left in the game. Feeling a bit too comfortable with their lead, the Patriots began to make elementary mistakes. Between turnovers and fouls, the Cougars were able to make a comeback and tie, 65-65, with three minutes left to go! Kuyper continued to extend their lead to the end of the game, and although the Patriots were able to get within one point of their opponent they were not able to overcome and grapple the lead in their advantage. The Patriots fell in the final seconds, 72-77.
The Patriots committed a season high of 27 turnovers, compared to Kuypers' 16. The Patriots shot 48% from the paint, but just 33% from beyond the arc and 66% from the charity stripe. Kuyper shot just 42% from the paint, but was able to shoot 37% from the arc and 77% from the foul-line. Both teams grabbed 36 boards.
Dominic Cain recorded 15 points, six rebounds, two steals and one block for the Patriots.
Jonathan Dukes tallied 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Lance Harris added 14 points to the scoreboard, in addition to 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Kevin Mack scored nine points, going 5-for-5 at the foul line. Mack grabbed five boards, six assists and one steal.
The Patriots move on to the second day of their tour of Michigan, to play the NCCAA II National Champions, Grace Bible College! Tip-off is scheduled for 7pm, February 1, 2013!
Go Patriots!
