PHOENIXVILLE, PA- The men's basketball team ended their regular season run with a disappointing last second loss to Berkeley College (NJ).  Despite leading the Knight's going into the second half, in the final moments of the game the Patriots lost control of the boards and were defeated, 77-79.

It was apparent that both teams were defensive-minded.  As the first half crawled along, the Knight's and Patriots focused all their attention on protecting the floor instead of reaching for the quick bucket.  As the clock showed just five minutes left to play in the first period, both teams were just reaching the 20-point mark.  Finally the pass started to pick up but it was the home team that would hold the advantage going into the half, 31-27.  Statistically the teams were dead event, the Patriots with 24 boards and eight turnovers compared to the Knight's 25 boards and nine turnovers.

As the second stanza came underway, the game switched from defense to offensive.  Both teams pushed the ball up the floor and moved it around to create the open shot.  The Patriots were able to get a small run midway through the half, leading the Knight's by nine, 52-43, with 11:46 on the board.  Three minutes later the Knights were able to diminish the Patriots lead and take the lead by one off of two made free throws from Carl O'Neil.  Over the next several minutes the teams went shot for shot, see-sawing the lead by one each time.  4:28 on the board and the Patriots were able to gain some ground, grabbing an eight point lead, 73-65, with a layup from Tony Hazzard.  The lead wouldn't be enough though as the Knights used every second on the clock to overtake the host school. 

Down to the wire the Patriots were up by one, 76-75, with 1:16 to go.  Twenty seconds later the Knights answered the Patriots lead with a layup to take the lead by one, 77-76.  The Patriots caught a break as the Knights fouled Tony Hazzard bringing him to the charity stripe.  Make good on just one of the two shots, the game was tied at 77 apiece.  The Knights had time to get off one shot and made the best of it, shooting from inside the paint and sinking it with 00:02 left in the game and gaining the lead, 79-77.  The Patriots had one chance to shoot, and decided to go for the three.  Senior Lance Harris took a long shot that hit the backboard and bounced off the rim as the buzzer sounded.

The team recorded a team high of eight blocks in the game. 

Kevin Mack recorded a game high of 26 points with nine rebounds and five assists.  Jean LeBlanc grabbed 13 points, while Lance Harris notched 11 points with nine rebounds, five assists and three steals.   Tony Hazzard had a career high of four blocks to add to his 10 points.

The Patriots finish their regular season with a final record of 14-11.  The men play Lancaster Bible College in the NCCAA East Region Championship, Tuesday, March 4.  The game is scheduled to start at 7pm at Lancaster.

Go Patriots!