Blue Jays Race Past Patriots in Non-Conference Action

More news about: Elizabethtown

PHOENIXVILLE, Pa. - The Elizabethtown College men's basketball team had four different players in double figures, pacing the Blue Jays to a 92-75 victory over Valley Forge Tuesday night.

With the win, Etown improves to 4-3 on the season, while the Patriots fall to 3-3.

Senior Jalin Robinson led all scorers with 24 points. Sophomore Tyreke Herbert came off the bench to add 14 points and junior Drew Riley (16 points, 10 rebounds) and sophomore Nick Rappa (11 points, 11 rebounds) each recorded their first career double-doubles.

Valley Forge was paced by Matthew Altamirano, finishing with 20 points and six assists.

Battling early, the two teams found themselves tied at 15 with 9:47 remaining in the first half. The Blue Jays used a quick 4-0 spurt to crack the deadlock and move ahead, 19-15. Rappa started the burst with a driving layup followed up by two free throws from freshman Rance Russo with just over nine minutes to play.

It continued to be a back-and-forth affair through the rest of the opening period, as the two teams traded the lead seven times heading into the final minute. With the Patriots holding a 39-38 lead with 1:05 to play, Rappa grabbed an offensive board and kicked it out to Robinson for the go-ahead three pointer with 44 seconds on the clock. Another layup by Robinson made the score at 43-39 in favor of Etown heading into the locker room.

The game remained close until halfway through the final period. Leading by three (61-58), the Blue Jays took control of the game, going on a 21-6 run over the next three minutes for the 82-64 advantage. Robinson had nine points during the rally, while Herbert added six.

Etown road this surge the rest of the way, scoring the 92-75 victory. It was the second time this season the Blue Jays have put up 90+ points in a game.

Elizabethtown finished the game 38-81 (46.9%) from the field and knocked down 3-20 (15%) from three. The Patriots shot 32.1% (26-81) from the field and made 25.7% (9-35) from beyond the arc. The Blue Jays' bench played a big part in the win, outscoring Valley Forge's reserves 40-21.

Elizabethtown opens Landmark Conference play Saturday, December 4 at home against Susquehanna. Opening tip is set for 2 p.m.