Phoenixville, PA – The University of Valley Forge Men's Basketball team dropped a heartbreaker to the Highlanders of Cairn University 84-80, on Wednesday evening.
Matthew Altamirano led the Patriots for the fourth game this season with his second double-double as he dished out 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 dimes. Derian Bradford hit his third 20+ point game with 22 points, followed by his twin brother who tallied 12 points and 3 steals.

"We told our guys all week that we had to match their toughness and physicality to compete," head coach DJ Damazo noted. "Although we got significantly outrebounded, we showed great resilience in many ways, which I am extremely proud of. I am very pleased with the way we battled back, putting ourselves in a position to tie the game. We are such a young team and are still trying to figure out how to win at this level, but I am encouraged by our progress."

The Highlanders started off on a hot stride, draining two consecutive three-pointers and three quick layups for a 12-3 lead. Creating the pace, Cairn created a game-high lead of 18 points with 6:08 remaining in the first-half. The Patriots steadily cut the lead, only trailing by 13 points before entering half-time.

Valley Forge brought the momentum in the final stanza, challenging the Highlanders defense. Altamriano and Derian Bradford found their rhythm, combining for 26 points. With a tough fight, the Patriots trailed by two with 9:24 left in the contest, but the Highlanders capitalized in the paint to never allow Valley Forge to take the lead. The Patriots best hope came with only 51 seconds left as Steven Eng and Derian Bradford hit back-to-back shots from behind-the-arc to come within two once again. However, a pair of Patriot fouls sent the Highlanders to the line to secure the 84-80 win.

Valley Forge went 31-69 from the field (44.9%), 9-26 from the three (34.6%), and 9-15 at the stripe (60%).

The Highlanders outrebounded the Patriots 53-39, collecting 26 points off of second-chance points. Cairn went 34-80 from the field, (42.5%), 7-28 from three-point land (25%), and 9-19 from the free-throw line (47.4%).

The Patriots will welcome the Lions of The King's College (NY) on Saturday, January 25^th for a 6:30 p.m. tipoff.