PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Marlon Lewis powered Notre Dame of Maryland to a narrow road win on Saturday afternoon, posting 24 points and 10 rebounds as the Gators held off Valley Forge, 83–82, in a United East matchup at the University of Valley Forge Gymnasium. The victory moves NDMU to 6-4 overall and 2–0 in conference play.

Lewis was nearly unstoppable around the rim, shooting 11-for-14 from the floor while adding three blocks and three steals. Ricardo Ross delivered 20 points and six rebounds, and Anthony Wright chipped in 13 points with several key buckets in transition. The Gators dominated the paint, outscoring Valley Forge 52–30 inside and converting 24 points off turnovers.

NDMU set the tone early, racing out to a 46–41 halftime lead behind efficient shooting and defensive pressure that forced 11 first-half turnovers. Lewis scored nine of the Gators' opening 14 points, and Ross ignited several fast breaks that helped stretch the lead to double digits midway through the half. Valley Forge stayed close thanks to hot perimeter shooting, including 6-of-11 from three in the opening period.

The second half unfolded as a back-and-forth battle. NDMU pushed the lead to eight multiple times, but the Patriots refused to fade, relying on scoring depth from their bench, which contributed 40 points, to stay within a possession late. Michael Broady led Valley Forge with 22 points, while Mike Gaines added 11, including three makes from long range.

Lewis' putback with just over two minutes remaining gave the Gators a crucial four-point cushion. The Gators were able to hit enough free throws down the stretch combined with a Jackson Pugh steal and fast break layup to hold off the Patriots. 

Notre Dame shot 48.5 percent from the field and collected 14 steals while turning the Patriots over 20 times. Eight different players scored, with Pugh and Dylan Long adding eight points apiece.

NDMU gets 10 days to rest up before traveling to Washington College on Tuesday, December 16 at 3 PM.