LANCASTER, PA- The rivalry between Lancaster Bible College and Valley Forge Christian College was renewed Friday night, February 22, when the Chargers and Patriots met in the NCCAA East Region Championship for the fifth straight year. Despite losing to the Chargers just one week earlier in regular season play, the Patriots defended their title as East Region champions, defeating the Chargers, 77-50!
It was a slow, low-scoring first half as neither team was able to get into an offensive rhythm. The Patriots were able to grapple a small
lead throughout the half but were unable to extend into a double-digit lead, as the Chargers remained right on their heels. With 2:21 left before the break, the Patriots were ahead by nine points (25-16), but the Chargers came right back to cut the advantage to six (25-19) as the half came to a close.
In the second period, the Patriots went back to the basics, pressuring on defense and working as a team to create open shots. The Patriots went on a 9-3 run and led 34-25 with 16:52 on the clock. Two-minutes later, the Chargers answered back, going on a small run of their own to cut the Patriots lead to six (36-30). The Patriots lead, while still holding, went up and down as the Chargers seemed to have an answer for every point the Patriots scored. At the four-minute mark, the Patriots held a solid 14-point lead and appeared to clinch the game, however, a string of missed shots and fouls by the defending champions allowed the Chargers to creep back into game (60-51) with 1:11 left on the clock. After a quick time-out, the Patriots regrouped and went on a 10-4 run, sealing their victory and the NCCAA East Region Championship!
The Patriots played solid defense, forcing 15 turnovers and grabbing nine steals against the Chargers. The Patriots had a season low
of eight turnovers. The Patriots also won the rebounding game, grabbing 37 boards compared to the Chargers' 25 rebounds.
Kevin Mack scored 15 points, along with four rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Lance Harris recorded 14 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.
Donnell Davis notched 11 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Domenic Cain had 10 points and seven rebounds.
Jean LeBlanc scored 10 points on the night.
The Patriots' post-season continues as they travel to Springfield, Mo. to compete in the NCCAA Division II National Tournament, March 5 through March 9, 2013. Tournament seeding will be announced in the next several days.
Congratulations and go Patriots!
