BEAVER FALLS, PA- The Valley Christian College men's basketball team opened up their season competing in the Coaches vs. Cancer Tip-Off Tournament, Friday, November 15, at Geneva College. The Patriots faced the Grove City Wolverines, edging them by three points, 75-72, to mark the first win of the season!
It was the first official game for both teams as they stepped out onto the court. The Wolverines maintained a small lead for the first eight minutes, until a three-pointer from the Patriots' Jarvis Hardy tied it up. The Patriots were able to slightly stay ahead until the Wolverines sank a three-pointer of their own to reclaim the lead with 8:20 left of the clock. The game remained close, with each team collecting the lead multiple times, until time ran out with the score tied, 36-36 at the half.
The second half showed to be just as intense as the first. 40-seconds into the period the Patriots grabbed the lead and never released. The Wolverines came close several times to overtaking the Patriots, coming within three points nine times. With 11 seconds left, the Wolverines' Mitch Marmelstien made good on both free throws to get his team three points away from tying the Patriots. A second later, Patriots' Jean LeBlanc was brought to the foul line with a chance to keep the Patriots out of danger by making both shots, which he did. Despite a few last minutes plays, the Patriots kept their lead and capture their first win of the season!
Jean LeBlanc recorded 15 points, five rebounds and two steals.
Jarvis Hardy also notched 15 points with four rebounds.
Lance Harris tallied 10 points, six assists, five rebounds and one steal.
"It was a good win for a very young team against a very well coached basketball team. Our ability to win the boards along with a good offensive balance attack and making free throws allowed us to survive and win. Our defensive rotations and commitment to defend the ball must improve if we want to succeed. Our energy must come from defending not from scoring. We need to understand that and know who "we are", stated Head Coach Jon Mack after the game.
The Patriots take on host school, Geneva College, in the championship round of the tournament, Saturday, November 16. The game is set to start at 3 pm.
Go Patriots!
