Pioneers Fall Short

University Center- At the beginning of the day Wednesday, the Delta Pioneers Men's basketball team sat on top of the MCCAA East division.  At the end of the day, they found themselves in the middle of the pack.  The Pioneers hosted the Oakland Community College Raiders and after a back and forth battle dropped a 94-84 decision. 

After a sluggish first half, the Pioneers came out of the locker room with more intensity and energy and went on a 18-9 run to take a 58-54 lead with 12 minutes to play.  Missed layups and a free throw differential proved to be the downfall for the Pioneers, however, as the Raiders got back in the game and eventually pulled away to secure the victory. 

Delta had a great showing at the free throw line, burying 22 of 29 shots but Oakland shot an astounding number more, going 37 of 56.  Delta shot 37 percent from the floor (29 of 78) with a majority of those misses coming inside the paint. 

"We have to do a better job at finishing through contact and finishing off two feet," stated Pioneer head Coach Carlos McMath.  "I am pleased with how hard we played in the second half but we need to be focused right from the beginning of the game.  Focus doesn't begin when the game starts.  Our guys need to start getting mentally prepared one or two days before the game takes place.  It is something that we will continue to stress in our program."

The Pioneers had a balanced scoring attack with three players in double figures, let by Tyler Ellis  with 21 points and seven rebounds.  Jon Swift had 10 points and 8 assists while Martel Handley added 11 points.

Delta, 2-2 in MCCAA East play, is back in action Saturday when they travel to Henry Ford Community College.