WASHINGTON, D.C. - The men's basketball competed against Maryland Bible College and Seminary in the consolation round of the Gallaudet University Holiday Tournament.  Despite holding a 15-point lead at the half, the Patriots were undone by the Soldiers' precise shooting in the second half and dropped the game, 69-73.

After wrestling for the lead the first ten minutes of the game, the Patriots finally found a way to overcome the Soldiers and get ahead.  Going on a 9-3 run, the men pulled away from the Soldiers, 25-21, with 6:51 left on the clock and kept going.  Led by Kevin Mack and Joseph Taylor, the Patriots took a convincing lead, 43-29, into the locker room.  The Patriots shot an impressive 53% from the floor and went 5-10 from beyond the arch.

As the second half got underway, the Soldiers were looking to make a comeback.  Correcting their mistakes and taking better shots, the Soldiers slowly chipped away at the point deficit, getting within two points, 41-43, with 14:15 on the clock.  The Patriots strained to pull away from the Soldiers, building back up to a seven point lead, 50-43, but the Soldiers refused to back down. 

Finally, with just under four minutes left to play, the Patriots released their lead.  Although the men had several chances to tie the game, poor shots and ill-timed turnovers continually anchored the Patriots down.  Unable to put a small run together, the Patriots gave the game over to the Soldiers, 69-73.

The Patriots shot just 28.5% in the second half compared to their 53% in the first. 

Joseph Taylor recorded 17 points, six rebound and five assists in the loss, while Kevin Mack notched 14 points and four assists.

The men break for Christmas, returning home for their next competition on January 3, 2015.  The Patriots will host the Rowan University Owls at 3PM.

Go Patriots!