LANGHORNE, PA - With the top two teams in the NCCAA East Region battling it out Thursday night, it was host squad Philadelphia Biblical University that came out as the top heavyweight in a 75-35 victory over Valley Forge Christian College.
The Crimson Eagles - the #1 seed heading into the East Region Playoffs - cruised to a 40 point win over the visiting Patriots in front of a home crowd in the Mason Activity Center. It marks PBU's third straight victory by 40-plus points.
The opening tip-off saw a defensive battle unfold over the first five minutes of play. With both teams struggling from the floor and tied at 4-4, PBU finally created some breathing room with a 7-2 spurt over the following four minutes. But with 11:38 left in the opening period a Patriot jumper from the right baseline would pull the visitors to within three at 11-8.
PBU's Summer Mullen would combat with a deep trey ball 40 seconds later that would help ignite a 13 point run for the Crimson Eagles. The hosts would be fueled by a swarming, pressing defensive effort that saw the Patriots cough up 21 first half turnovers, including a devastating sequence of five turnovers on five straight possessions.
Up 37-14 to begin the final 20 minutes, PBU would widen the spread to 52-14 four minutes into the second half. The Crimson Eagles' would see the gap swell to 48 with 6:37 left to play, but a 12-5 run in Valley Forge's favor to end the contest notched the final count at 75-35.
Sophomore guard Dani Norton, the fourth leading scorer in the NCCAA East Region, pumped in a team high 18 points and added four steals and four assists in 25 minutes of work. Second year forward Lindsey Fornwalt added 14 points on seven of 10 shooting from the floor, while sophomore Sarah Oessenich charted 13 points and just missed her third consecutive game of 10-plus assits, ending the night with nine. Junior Summer Mullen added 12 points, five steals and three assists, while senior Natalie pulled down a team high 10 boards.
As announced Thursday, Dani Norton and Sarah Oessenich were both named to the NCCAA East Region 1st Team while Summer Mullen was awarded second team honors. Lindsey Fornwalt generated Honorable Mention status. Additionally, Drew Watson was tabbed the "Coach of the Year" in the East Region.
PBU improves to 13-14 with the victory, while Valley Forge falls to 11-20 on the year with the loss.
The Crimson Eagles - who are currently ranked second in the NCCAA - will wait for seeding to come out Sunday night for the National Tournament. PBU will participate in the five day tournament that is to be held in Grayson, Kentucky from March 11-15, and will play a team to be announced.
