LANCASTER, PA - It was almost exactly one year ago that the Patriots and Chargers faced each other for the NCCAA II East Region championship title. Last year the men held control from start to finish, but with their younger crew challenging a more experienced Charger lineup, it was the Patriots who needed the comeback win. With key shots not falling, the Patriots fell to the Chargers, 48-72.

It was a slow start for both teams but the Chargers were able to push a small run and lead the Patriots 10-4 with 14:06 showing on the clock.  Struggling to gain ground on the boards the Patriots started to face a deeper and deeper point deficit.  With just under five minutes to go in the first half, the Patriots managed to cut the lead into the single digits, 25-16, with a deep three-pointer from Demitrius Muse, but there was little time to relax as the Chargers pushed ahead and brought their lead back up by halftime, 36-20.
 
Into the second half the Patriots were able to pick up their pace and improve their shooting from their 19% in the first half, to 32%.  But it was no match for the Chargers 52% and domination at the boards.  Throughout the half, the Patriots couldn't break the Chargers nearly 20-point cushion.  By the conclusion of the game the Chargers had out-rebounded the Patriots 45 to 26. 

In the loss, senior Lance Harris recorded 10 points and eight rebounds.

Despite the loss, the Patriots earn an at-large bid to the NCCAA II National Tournament in Circleville, OH.  The tournament takes place March 12-15.  The men are seeded 8^th and will play Pensacola Christian College, Wednesday, March 12, 2014.  The game is set to start at 5pm.

Go Patriots!