Reading, PA- The Penn St. Berks Men's Basketball Team kicked off 2025 by defeating the University of Valley Forge, earning an 86-78 win over the Patriots on Saturday, Jan. 4

The Lions (3-8 Overall, 2-2 UE) shook off a slow offensive start and started to find their rhythm when Luke Collins drained a 3-pointer, leveling the score at six. Marquis Ferreira then drilled a 3-pointer, making the score 9-9 at the 12-minute mark of the first half. Josh Mingledolph kept the 3-point flurry going, hitting his first 3-pointer of the game, giving the Lions the lead. The Patriots (6-6 Overall, 1-3 UE) fought back, going on a 6-0 run to retake a five-point lead. Berks tried to chip away at the deficit, pulling within two on a Kai Davis layup with 5:05 remaining in the half. Berks remained within striking distance, but they still trailed 44-39 at the break.

Jaedon Mast started the Lions offense in the second half, slashing to the basket for a layup. Mast converted another layup moments later, to slash the deficit down to one. Valley Forge responded, going on a 10-1 run, pulling ahead by double digits with 14:43 remaining in the game. Collins stopped the run with a pair of free throws and then Mast converted a layup in transition. Andre Ballard and Mingledolph scored back-to-back baskets to close within two points. Ballard then put the Lions in front, hitting a 3-pointer. The Patriots surged back ahead, building a four-point lead. Ballard swished another 3-pointer and then Ferreira knocked down a jumper to give Berks a 60-59 advantage. Mingledolph scored back-to-back baskets keeping the Lions in front. Ferriera extended the advantage hitting a wing 3-pointer. Mast then went on a 5-0 run, hitting two free throws and then knocking down a 3-pointer to push the Lions lead to 10 points. The Patriots tried to battle back, climbing within four with 2:21 remaining in the game. Berks slammed the door shut down the stretch, with Ballard and Mast converting layups down the stretch to secure the 86-78 victory.

Mast led all scorers, finishing the game with 22 points to go along with eight rebound, three assists and 3 steals. Mingledolph was impressive, recording 15 points to go along with eight rebounds. Ballard added 14 points to go along with nine rebounds. Isaiah Cotten made a huge defensive impact, pulling in a team-high 12 rebounds and blocking four shots while scoring 10 points.  Ferreira scored 12 points off the bench, hitting two 3-pointers. Berks held a 50-47 edge in rebounds and shot 30.4% from beyond the arc.

WHO'S NEXT
The Lions will return home and host Gallaudet University on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.

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