Box Score

SPRINGFIELD, MO – The Valley Forge Christian College men's basketball team fell 78-73 against Ozark Christian College (Joplin, Mo.) in the opening round of the NCCAA Division II National Tournament on Tuesday.

Ozark Christian jumped out to the early lead, as the Patriots' pressure defense seemed to have minimal effect on Ozark.  Ozark was able to score inside and out, as well as make frequent trips to the free throw line.

In the first half, the Patriots encountered one of the most extreme cases of foul trouble that they'd faced all year, and struggled to rise above the adversity.  The Patriots trailed 37-24 at the half.

In the second half, the Patriots battled back and took the lead (59-58) with 7:19 remaining. 

However, Ozark would answer and would hold the advantage down the stretch. 

In the final minute, the Patriots were forced to foul and intentionally put Ozark on the foul line in order to stage some sort of last minute heroics.

Unfortunately for the Patriots, Ozark made good on their free-throws, ending the Patriots' post season national title run.

Against Ozark, the Patriots shot just 3-for-18 from the perimeter.  They shot 72.7 percent from the free-throw line on 11 tries.  The tale of the tape was the 42-27 advantage that Ozark Christian maintained on the boards.

Donnell Davis played one of the best games of his careers.  Davis finished with a game-high 25 points on 10-of-13 shooting.  He shot 2-for-4 from the three-point line.  He also added two assists and two steals.

Lance Harris earned 14 points on 7-of-11 shooting.  He earned four assists for the Patriots.

Kevin Mack tacked on 12 points.  He shot 6-for-11 from the floor.  He also notched a team-high five rebounds and two blocked shots.

The Patriots will play a consolation game against Grace University on Wednesday (Mar. 6) at 6pm CST.

GO PATRIOTS!