Reading, PA- The Penn St. Berks Men's Basketball Team could not outlast the University of Valley Forge, falling to the Patriots by a score of 90-85 on Saturday, Feb. 1.

Before the game, the Penn St. Berks Athletic department joined the men's basketball team in celebrating Senior Day, taking a few moments to celebrate senior players Andre Ballard, Brody Bolyn and Jean-Marc Amovin.

Berks (5-13 Overall, 4-7 UE) fell behind early as the Patriots (10-14 Overall, 5-8 UE) raced out to a 16-6 lead. Ballard put the Lions back on track, powering home back-to-back layups. Isaiah Cotten converted two free throws to close back within six points. Berks increased their defensive pressure, forcing several turnovers that led to easy baskets. Cotten added a layup to bring Berks back within a single possession. The Blue & White remained within striking distance throughout the half, with Jaedon Mast hitting a 3-pointer from the wing with 3:51 remaining in the half to close within two points. After coming away with a steal and score, Mast hit another 3-pointer to Berks their first lead of the game. Valley Forge closed the half by scoring the final four points, holding a 39-37 lead at the break.

Kai Davis leveled the score on Berks' first possession of the second half, finishing a contested layup. He then drilled a 3-pointer to put the Lions ahead. Valley Forge surged back in front, going on a 10-3 run to retake a six-point lead. The Blue & White began to fight back with back-to-back buckets by Josh Mingledolph and Ballard, cutting the deficit down to four points. Several possessions later, Cotten finished a layup on the break, making the score 64-63. Ballard hit a 3-pointer and then finished a layup to knot the score at 69 with 7:57 remaining in the half. Valley Forge retook the lead and built a five-point lead down the stretch. The Lions could not rally in the final minutes of the game, eventually falling by a score of 90-85.

The Lions were led in scoring by Ballard, who racked up 24 points on 7-16 shooting from the field. Mast also had a big game, scoring 22 points. Davis provided a spark off the bench, scoring 17 points. Cotten led the Lions in rebounds, grabbing 10 missed shots to go along with eight points.

WHO'S NEXT
The Lions will go back on the road, traveling to face Gallaudet University on Wednesday, Feb. 5. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.

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Fans can keep up with Penn St. Berks Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @BerksAthletics.