Phoenixville, PA – The Patriots began their second semester stint as they welcomed the Lions of Bryn Athyn College on Saturday afternoon. Although Valley Forge carried the lead in the first-half, the Lions would find a steady offensive rhythm in the final stanza, ultimately downing the Patriots 101-91 to secure their first win of the season.

Despite falling, first-year rookie Derian Bradford posted a new career-high of 25 points, while dishing out 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Owen Bradford gathered a solid double-double, notching an additional 22 points and 13 rebounds, with sophomore Aaron Hill adding 20 points.

With a relatively slow start from both sides, the Lions were able to score first with a layup from Okoye Taylor. Derian Bradford would open it up for the Patriots, draining two good free-throws. The Lions would stretch to a 5-point lead until Aaron Hill hit his first trey ball of the game, followed by a steal from freshman Matthew Altamirano and a quick layup from Hill. Tied 9-9, both squads would fight for control, trading the lead three separate times. However, the Patriots would finally break free as they ignited a 6-0 run fueled by an Owen Bradford layup. With the Lions attempting to pry back in, the Patriots would pull away with a game-high 14-point lead. With 3 minutes remaining in the first-half, Bryn Athyn began to chip away at the Patriots lead, capitalizing off of missed shots and securing a few crucial turnovers to end the half with an 8-0 run.

Trailing by only 4 points, the Lions would pounce on any offensive opportunity in attempt to take the lead. The Lions would do just that as Okoye Taylor drained a three-ball to give Bryn Athyn control. Extending the lead to 68-60, the Patriots would struggle to make a significant run, staying relatively close to the Lions. With 7:56 remaining, junior Rafael Smith drained a jumper from the baseline, followed by a two three-balls from Hill and Smith to tie the game 82-82. However, that would be as close as the Patriots got to the lead as the Lions were able to pull away in the last two minutes of play for a 101-91 final score.

Okoye Taylor lead the Lions to victory as he gathered a career-high 23 points, while Haybert Louchie collected 21 points. The Lions hit 39-71 from the field (54.9%), 12-31 from behind the arc (38.7%), and 11-25 from the line (44.0%).

As a team, Valley Forge hit 35-77 from the field (45.5%), 9-27 from three-point land (33.3%), and 12-16 from the charity stripe (75.0%).

Bryn Athyn outrebounded Valley Forge 45-39, while securing 21 points off of turnovers and 27 fast-break points.

The Patriots will look to recover as they host the Nittany Lions of Penn State Berks on Wednesday, January 8^th at 7 p.m.