Roaring Lions fall to defending national champions

November 20, 2010—Uniontown, Pa.

Sophomore forward David Winns recorded his first double-double of the season, collecting 17 points and 11 rebounds, but it wasn't enough as the Roaring Lions fell to Valor Christian College 77-66. Valor, the defending USCAA Men's Division II National Champions, recorded its second straight victory over Penn State Fayette, with the first coming in the opening round of the 2010 USCAA National Championship Tournament.

The Roaring Lions (0-3) took a six-point lead midway through the first half, but were unable to hold on as Valor went on an 18-2 run to end the half, making the score 33-23. Fayette played even with Valor throughout the second half, but was unable to close the deficit to any less than nine points. Valor led by as many as 20 points, but a run with under four minutes to play put the Roaring Lions back into contention, trailing by only nine. The rally was too late, as Valor held off the comeback attempt with free throws to seal it.

Senior guard Tim O'Bryant had his best game as a Roaring Lion, contributing 16 points on 7-for-12 shooting, while also notching three steals. Freshman guard Tyler VanOlst had a career-high 14 points, going 4-for-5 from behind the arc, while sophomore point guard contributed five assists and four steals to go with his 11 points.

The Roaring Lions shot a season-best 46 percent (25-54) from the field, but it wasn't enough as they were outrebounded by Valor, 49-31. Both teams struggled from the free throw line, as neither eclipsed the 60 percent mark.

Fayette hosts Point Park on Monday, Nov. 22, at 7:30 p.m., immediately following the Lady Roaring Lions match-up. They then travel to Thiel on Nov. 29 before traveling to Point Park for a rematch on Dec. 2.