The Lancaster Bible College men's basketball team did everything they could to dig out of a 15-point deficit midway through the second half on Tuesday night against Valley Forge Christian. Diving for loose balls, tightening up their defense, grabbing big rebounds, the Chargers cut the lead to six with 5:16 to play.

With momentum on their side, LBC looked to Madison Warfel to drain a three to put them within three. Coming off a screen, Warfel's shot went in-and-out, hit off the backboard, hit the rim again and dropped into the hands of a Patriot defender.

LBC would not get any closer. Valley Forge Christian held on for an 82-72 victory and improved their record to 17-4.

"We had three opportunities to cut the lead to under six and could not do it," Charger Head Coach Pete Beers said. "Give Valley Forge credit, they finished the game well."

LBC's Kevin Keltner led all scorers with 28 points, 22 of them coming in the second half.

"Kevin went off and had a big game tonight," Beers said. "He struggled with some turnovers in the first half, but was aggressive in the second half and took good shots."

Warfel had 20 points and three rebounds for the Chargers. Senior Carl Edwards chipped in with 11 points and seven rebounds in the loss. Jake Clemenson came off the bench and provided two points and five rebounds, as well as playing tough defense and drawing offensive fouls.

"Jake Clemenson played really well for us tonight," Beers said. "He provided a good spark."

VFCC's Justin Kinsey led the Patriots with 26 points and six rebounds. Latrell Alford had 14 points and five rebounds for the Patriots. VFCC has won five games in a row and 11 of their last 12.

"The intensity in this game was that of a playoff game," Beers said. "If we can grasp that on the practice floor, we will be that much more prepared for them next time."

The two teams will meet at least one more time, with the Chargers visiting VFCC on February 17 in Valley Forge.

"We have to get better and we have a chance to do that in the next couple of weeks," Beers said.

LBC returns to the floor on Thursday when they take on NCCAA East Region rival Washinton Bible College in Washington, D.C. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.