SALISBURY, MD- The men's basketball team competed in the consolation game of the Optimist Classic, going up against Bryn Athyn College. In a tight race against the clock, both teams pushed themselves to the limits but it would be the Patriots coming out on top with the 82-76 win!
The Lions and the Patriots are no strangers. The last meeting between these two teams occurred January 25, 2014 with the Lions holding an early and strong lead. It appeared as though the Patriots would give up the game but a powerful second half pushed the Patriots past the Lions and earning the win, 97-83.
The consolation game for the Optimist Classic started off to the same tune. The Lions put points on the board first before
Kevin Mack put up a three-pointer to push the Patriots, 3-2. From there the Patriots continually fended off their opponent until the Lions managed to tie the game twice before going on a 9-4 run to jump ahead, 21-14. Now playing catchup, the Patriots scrambled to put their system into play but were continually denied by the Lions who held a nine-point lead, 31-22, with just over five minutes left in the first half.
A few substitutions from the Patriots bench allowed fresh feet to trip up the Lions' momentum. Valley Forge went on an 11-3 run to nip at the Lions heels, 33-34, and eventually tie the game, 36-36, with just 00:56 left on the clock. The Lions were able to put up one last layup to go into the locker room up, 38-36.
As the second half got underway, it appeared to mirror the first half. The teams tied several times before the Lions jump ahead and controlled the game until 9:45, when
Jean LeBlanc made good on a layup to put the Patriots up, 58-57.
At that moment it was the Patriots turn to control the game. Despite the Lions tying the game three more times, they never had enough momentum to overtake the Patriots. Spreading out their shooters, the Patriots made the Lions run the court guessing who would take the shot. Staying one step ahead of their opponent, the Patriots never let up and seized the win, 82-76!
Head Coach
Jon Mack had this to say after the game, "I am very pleased with our effort tonight coming off a tough loss to Dickinson. Our game today provided many challenges, including several key players in foul trouble the entire game (
Kevin Mack played just 22 minutes and Stacey Thomas was held to just 10 minutes), but our depth and timing contributions allowed us to grind out the win. I thought the insertion of
Thorne McIntosh was a huge plus for our team today. His ability to rebound and make the right reads offensively was pivotal in our win. We also received great performances from our two seniors,
Kevin Mack and
Jean LeBlanc. Overall, it was a learning weekend for our young team as we are searching for our identity. We look forward to the upcoming Holiday Inn Express Classic, as we host several top 15 NCCAA schools this week. It will be another great test for our team."
Four players walked away with double-digit points.
Kevin Mack and
Jean LeBlanc each recorded 16 points and four rebounds. LeBlanc added three steals to the night.
Tony Hazzard notched 11 points in addition to six rebounds and two steals and one block, while
Jalen Archer tallied 12 points and two assists.
Thorne McIntosh had a game high of nine rebounds along with eight points, three assists and one block.
The team returns home for their season opener in the first round of the Holiday Inn Express Tip-Off Classic. The Patriots will host NCCAA II 11
th ranked Kuyper College, Thursday, November 20. The game is set for 8PM!
Go Patriots
