MARTINSVILLE, VA -- Patrick & Henry Community College battled nationally ranked No. 14 Virginia Peninsula Community College on Saturday in a Region 10 Division III conference showdown but came up short, falling 84-77 at home.

The Patriots kept pace with the Gators throughout the first half, trailing just 41-38 at the break. P&HCC continued to compete possession-for-possession in the second half, but Virginia Peninsula was able to make enough plays down the stretch to secure the seven-point win.

Sophomore guard Jayse Barrett (Clayton, NC) led the Patriots with 18 points, knocking down three two-pointers, three three-pointers, and going 3-for-5 from the free throw line. Freshman guard Ramael Warren, Jr. (Brooklyn, NY) added 15 points, attacking the basket and converting 9-of-12 free throw attempts.

Freshman guard Wes Gobble (Charlottesville, VA) contributed 16 points, connecting on five two-point field goals, one three-pointer, and going a perfect 3-for-3 from the line. Freshman guard Braelyn Gray (Winston-Salem, NC) added 12 points, while Will Jones finished with seven points. Sophomore center Nolan Prince (Rappahannock, VA) chipped in five points, and Kendrale Kidd added four.

Virginia Peninsula was led by Jordan Watlington with 19 points, Ky'Saan Bevier with 17, and Chris Cyrus with 13 as the nationally ranked Gators improved their conference standing.

The Patriots will look to bounce back on the road as they travel to Tidewater Community College for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff. P&HCC will then return home for its final home game of the season on February 18 against Camp Community College at 6 p.m.

For more information on P&HCC Athletics, visit phccsports.com.