PHOENIXVILLE, PA- The men's basketball team competed in their most intense home game of the season, Friday, 31, against Berkeley College (NY). Despite being physically outmatched, the Patriots fought the visitors for every point, but in the final seconds of the game, the Patriots fell by one point, 82-83.
The Knight's made their mark on the scoreboard first, jumping out to an 11-0 lead and holding it until 13:09. Instead of getting discouraged and attempting to make up for their mistakes, the Patriots battled against the Knights for every point in an attempt to control their home court. Playing smart and together to produce the open shot, the Patriots began to chip away at the Knight's lead. Despite still being down at the half, 37-41, the men weren't ready to give up.
As the second half commenced, the Patriots were able to hold the Knight's point advantage to single digits. As time started to wear down, the Knight's appeared to get too comfortable with the small but steady lead they possessed. Seeing the opportunity, the Patriots played off every mistake and finally with just under seven minutes to go, they took the lead! Over the span of the next two minutes, each team put everything they had into their offense, but it was the Patriots who managed to capitalize. With just 1:45 left on the board the team held an 11-point lead, 81-70.
To the dismay of all those watching, the Knight's took advantage of every last second and went on a 13-1 run to overtake the Patriots in the final moments and win the game, 83-82.
In the loss, five Patriots recorded double-digit numbers.
Kevin Mack led the team in scoring with 19 points, along with four steals and four assists.
Jean LeBlanc tallied 18 points while
Lance Harris recorded 16 points, eight assists and three steals.
Antonio Malone and
Emanuel Toms notched 11 points apiece.
The game came down to the boards. The Patriots were out-rebounded 50-36 and shot just 36% on the night compared to the Knight's 45%.
The Patriots take the next two days to rest before hitting the road again for their next match-up. The men travel to New Jersey City University for a 7 pm game on Monday, February 3.
Go Patriots!
