PHOENIXVILLE, PA – The University of Valley Forge men's basketball team was defeated by Rowan University, 89-57 on Saturday, January 3, 2015.
 
The Patriots came into the contest knowing they had their work cut out for them as the Profs were riding a six-game win streak and a 9-1 overall record.  After a close start in the first six minutes, the Profs went on an 11-0 run to lead by 15 (21-6) with 11 minutes remaining.  The Patriots struggled to keep it close in the opening half as they shot 16.7% (2-12) from 3pt range and 36.4% overall.  Their counterparts shot 71.4% (5-7) from 3pt range and 57.1% overall.  Kevin Mack led the Patriots at halftime with 8 points on 4-9 shooting.  Mike Simpson and Kris O'Connor teamed up for 25 points for the Profs in the opening stanza.  The score at halftime was 45-27.
 
Coming out of the break, the Patriots needed to tighten things up on the defensive end to get back in the game.  The Profs, however, used their size and strength to get into the paint and continue their hot shooting as they went 18-32 (56.3%) from the field in the second half.  Their aggressiveness also got them to the charity stripe numerous times, where they went 16-22 for the game.  The Patriots only managed 2-6 from the free throw line.  The Profs pulled away and won 89-57. 
 
Jerome Staley led the Patriots with 12 points.  Thorne McIntosh just missed a double-double as he had 11 points and 9 rebounds.  The Patriots are now 4-5 on the season. 
 
Next week, the team travels to Florida to play in the Johnson University Classic (1/8-10).  The Patriots will take on the #1 ranked Ohio Christian University in the first game of the tournament.

Go Patriots!