SOPHOMORES SHINE FOR PIONEERS

University Center, MI-

On Monday night, the Delta College men's basketball team hosted their final regular season conference game of the 2017-2018 campaign.  Prior to the game Pioneer fans, family, and the athletic department staff recognized the efforts of the six sophomores and the dedication they have given to the program.  The Delta sophomores that were honored included: Martel Handley, Justin Person, Jalen Fykes, Cedric Moten, Virgil Walker Jr., and Devonte Allen.   Once the festivities were wrapped up, a pivotal game against the Macomb Monarchs was played.  The game had major implications on the MCCAA Eastern Conference standings and playoff race.                             

The Pioneers used the pre-game hype to their advantage and in the first five minutes, jumped out to a 20-8 lead.  Three pointers by Justin Person and Jalen Fykes got the Pioneers rolling early and a Virgil Walker Jr. post move and bucket made the score 22-11.  The Monarchs would battle back and with five minutes left in the half got their first lead of the game 33-32.  A Cedric Moten three pointer tied the game back up, 35-35, with three minutes left.  The Monarchs would outscore the Pioneers to finish the half and took a 41-40 lead into the locker room.               

At the sixteen-minute mark of the second half, trailing by four, the Pioneer's Jalen Fykes scored nine straight points for the home team and they regained the lead 55-54.  A three pointer by Justin Person gave the Delta men a 61-58 lead with under twelve minutes to play.  The Monarchs would dominate the next five minutes and after a 14-2 run had a 72-63 lead.  The Pioneers would fight back and another Jalen Fykes three pointer capped off a 12-1 run and gave the home team the lead 75-73.  Torandis Mack would score the next six points and with a minute left the Pioneers had an 81-77 lead.  The Pioneers would have a key defensive stop and knock down two free throws to preserve the victory, 83-79.    

"We got production from a lot of guys tonight," said Head Coach Carlos McMath.  "When we have a balanced scoring attack we can be a really tough team to beat.  We established our inside presence early and it opened up driving lanes and created open shots for our guards and wings." 

The Pioneers had five guys finish in double figures.  Leading the way was Jalen Fykes with 19 points and 11 (6 offensive) rebounds.  Virgil Walker Jr. added 18 points and 13 rebounds.  Justin Person had 15 points and Cedric Moten had 10 points.  Torandis Mack came off the bench to add 10 points and 4 assists.  The Pioneers dominated the glass and outrebounded the Monarchs 18-7 on the offensive end.  This led to a 21-9 second chance points advantage for the Pioneers.        

"Macomb is a very tough team and both teams battled hard and refused to give in," said McMath.  "It was truly fitting that on a night when we celebrated their achievements, our sophomores stepped up and led us to victory tonight."           

The Pioneers (17-6, 9-6) will travel to Alpena Community College (1-14, 3-21) on Wednesday night.  In their first match-up the Pioneers defeated the Lumberjacks 85-77 in overtime.  The Lumberjacks have had a tough time getting in the win column are always a tough match-up for the Pioneers.  The Pioneers control their own destiny and with a win will host Oakland in the first round of the playoffs.  A loss, combined with an Oakland win and they would have to travel to Oakland for the first round of the playoffs.   Game time is set for 7:30 pm.