Phoenixville, PA – Valley Forge Patriots open their season at home against the Lions of The King's College (NY). In a close and exciting match, the Patriots come out on top 91-81 final score.  

First collegiate win for TJ Hardeman as head coach for Valley Forge Patriots and doing an excellent job of putting the team on a healthy trajectory for the rest of the season. "Both teams came out ready to play, I'm super proud how we were able to pick it up in second half and close them out," said Hardeman. 

#30 Derian Bradford recorded a career high of 31 points, backed up with 3 steals and 7 rebounds. Bradford shooting 11-for-20 from the field. Bradford scored 34% of the total teams' points (91), playing physical and knowing when to get rid of the ball and when not to. When asked, who stood out on the court? Hardmen said, "I thought Derian played really well today, he stepped up in the moments that we needed him..."  

#0 Matthew Altamirano played all but 2 minutes of the game, the Junior finished with 19 points, 5-for-10 from the field, 1 block and 2 steals. Altamirano was playing offense just as good as his defense, going for every loose ball.  

The other Bradford brother, #32 Owen Bradford matching Matthew with 19 points. Bradford had 4 rebounds, and led the team in assists with 4. Shooting from the field, 6-for-13 and being a very integral part of this team.  

Hardeman finished by saying, "...it was good to see our returners continue to grow and to see the young guys step up and will develop very well this season."  

First half of the game was played aggressive, with really no room given from each team. With a total of 8-tied scores and 10-lead changes, it really was anyone's game. The game tied at 22-a-piece with less than 9 minutes in the first half, the Lions take a lead with a jumper by #23 Morten Hansen. Only to be responded by a 3-pointer from #3 Mauro Fernandez. A couple of free throws and layups later, the Patriots take a 5-point lead, 34-to-29 with less than 5 minutes left. The Patriots continue to put up points late in the first half, to go up 6 points. The Lions do not really slow down and keep trailing just behind the Patriots, and do an amazing job of closing the gap by 1-point to end the half, 39-38. 

The second half, the Patriots attempt to not let go of their lead but the Lions tie it up at 51-points with 12 minutes left to play. The Patriots with 16—points off fast breaks, from continuous defensive rebounds, extend their lead. The Patriots capitalized with 18—points off TKC turnovers. The biggest lead of the game was 13-points with 5 minutes left of play, the hard press by the Patriots being too much for the Lions to comeback from. 

The Pit was loud and electric for the Patriots' season opener. Come back out on Tuesday, November 9th as they go against Penn St. Schuylkill.