Delta Men Look To Win Third Straight Over Mott
First game of regional takes place Tuesday
University Center, MI – The third time's the charm.
So often that phrase is used as motivation after failing twice to achieve a goal that was unforeseeable. In the case of the Delta men's basketball team, the third time could be the charm that catapults them to a post-season run for a regional championship.
After beating Mott Community College for the first time in several years on January 24th the men of Delta repeated the feat again on February 21st for the first season sweep of the Bears that had occurred only once in school history.
On Tuesday, a third defeat in the same season would place the Pioneers in the regional semi-finals as they battle Mott in the first game of the regional.
"We are really excited about earning the number three seed in the district tournament," said first year Coach Kyle Blackbourn.
After winning at fifteenth ranked Mott 59-55, Delta held home court by defeating the Bears again, 52-47. The Pioneers finished the regular season with a 10-6 record in conference play outpacing Mott by two games in the standings. They did so with a depleted roster, often playing with just seven players due to injury. Now that the team is full strength, DC is playing at a confidence level that makes them believe that the most improbable of outcomes is within reach.
"Both of our games with (Mott) have come down to the last minute of play," said Blackbourn. "I would expect this game to be no different. We know Mott will be ready to play. Now it's about making a few adjustments, coming out with a sense of urgency, and make Mott match our intensity."
"We have a very tough road to the championship game but if we play hard and play together, anything can happen." But to beat a team three times in a season is tough, a fact not overlooked by the green and white.
Delta is led by freshman guards Markell Bradshaw and Benjamin Batts, both averaging over 15 points per game. Bradshaw put up 17 points in their first game matchup while Julian Henderson led the charge in the latest contest with 16.
Should the Pioneers win on Tuesday they will most likely play league runner-up Oakland Community College – a team they split with during the regular season.
"This is a very tough league and everyone that made the tournament is a very good opponent."
With a 17-12 record overall and winners of seven of their last nine games, Delta can consider themselves one of those opponents that is very good. Game time is scheduled for 7:30pm.