HUNTINGDON, PA- In the consolation round of the Juniata Holiday Tournament, the Patriots hoped to come out with a win, but it would be the John Hopkins University Blue Jays who would come out on top. The Blue Jays used the Patriots turnovers to their advantage to win, 66-57.

The Patriots captured their first and only lead of the game at the 16:29 mark.  The Blue Jays answered right back, unleashing an arsenal of shots to go on a 14-2 run, placing them 10 points ahead, 16-6.  As time ran down on the clock, the Patriots could not find a way to break the offensive runs of John Hopkins.  With 4:14 on the board, the men were able to cut the score deficit to five points, trailing 19-24, but shooting just 33% from the floor, the Patriots denied themselves the chance to grab a first half lead.

Into the second period, the Blue Jays extended their run by 12 points (35-23).  A shooting combination from Kevin Mack and Lance Harris brought the team back within single digits.  Nonetheless, every time the Patriots started to create a problem for the opponent, the Blue Jays managed to come up with an answer, using the Patriots frequent turnovers to their advantage to hold a 19- point lead halfway through the period.  The Patriots trimmed the damage to single digits with under a minute to go, but with time working against them, the Blue Jays took the game.

"The team played much better against a very solid team but our turnovers and poor free throw percentage got the best of us." explained Head Coach Jon Mack.

Lance Harris was named to the All-Tournament Team.  Harris recorded 14 points, five rebounds and one assists against John Hopkins University.  He averaged 17 points per game during the tournament.

Kevin Mack made a statement for the team, notching 19 points and six rebounds.

The Patriots have little time to rest before hitting the road to compete in the Piedmont International Classic in Winston-Salem, NC.  The men will play Pensacola Christian College for the opening round, Wednesday, January 9, at 3 pm.

Live stats will be provided for all tournament games! 

Go Patriots!