WASHINGTON, D.C.- The University of Valley Forge men's basketball team traveled to Gallaudet University to play in the Gallaudet University Holiday Tournament, December 5-6. In the first round of the tournament the Patriots went up against the Alfred University Saxons and dropped the game, 59-66.
The Patriots started from behind, not scoring their first point until 15:55 in the first half. The Saxons continued to hold a steady lead until the Patriots went on a 9-3 run, overtaking the Saxons, 11-9, with 9:14 to go in the first half. The men had little time to enjoy their lead as the Saxons worked their way back to the top with just under six minutes to go and carried their hold over the Patriots into halftime. The Patriots trailed the Saxons by just two points going into the break, 27-29.
As the second half got underway, the Patriots watched as the Saxons extended their lead to nine points just five minutes into the half. Clawing their way back, the Patriots played a solid over the next five minutes, pressuring the Saxon's offense and getting aggressive at the boards to grab the lead by one, 41-40, with 10:39 on the board. Over the next few minutes both teams grappled for the lead and eventually it would be Saxons coming out on top. With a tight grip on their lead, the Saxons were able to keep the Patriots at bay, allowing them to just get within a few points throughout the remaining 10 minutes but next giving up the lead and eventually earning the win.
The Patriots played a good pressure game, converting 19 points off of 23 Saxons turnovers. The real problem came at the boards. The Patriots were out-rebounded 36-53 by their opponent, which gave the Saxons 15 second chance points.
Kevin Mack was the leading scorer for the Patriots, putting up 17 points.
Stacy Thomas notched 10 rebounds and eight points in addition to three blocks.
Devin Williams recorded 10 points with three rebounds and two steals.
The Patriots move on to the consolation round of the Gallaudet University Holiday Tournament, Saturday, December 06. The men will play against Maryland Bible College and Seminary at 2PM.
Go Patriots!
