Pioneers Get Back to Winning Ways
One-Half game behind second place Mott
University Center- The Delta College Men's basketball team got back on the winning track Saturday afternoon and beat the Henry Ford Hawks 90-78. With the win, the Pioneers are now 8-5 in the MCCAA East and 8-17 overall. With three regular season games left, the Pioneers sit in third place, tied with Wayne County.
The Delta men started off the game on fire and when a three pointer by Jovon Thomason found the bottom of the net, they were holding on to an early 10-2 lead. They continued to build on their lead and with eight minutes left a put back and two free throws by Jack Thomman pushed the lead to 28-15. A steal by Allante Wheeler led to a dunk by Martel Handley and the Pioneers took a 44-29 lead into the half.
In the second half, a reverse jam by Jake Thomman pushed the lead to 22 points, 60-38. Henry Ford pulled within 13 after a three pointer by Marcus Wilson but with five minutes to left in the game, the Pioneers executed in the half court and slowed the game down to secure the victory.
Leading the way for the Pioneers was Martel Handley with a career high 25 points, 20 of those in the first half, and 11 rebounds. Jake Thomman also had a career high with 13 points. Tyler Ellis added 12 points and 3 steals.
"We got great production from a lot of guys this afternoon," said head coach Carlos McMath. "Martel has been playing really well lately. Jake came off the bench and gave us great minutes throughout the game and Tyler really picked it up in the second half."
"We are getting to the point that if one guy has an off game, the guys can rely on their teammates to pick them up. As a coach, that is what you strive for in your team."
McMath continued, "At this point in the season, we are fighting for playoff position. We must take each game and at the end of the day do our best to be 1-0."
The Pioneers travel to Mott Community College on Wednesday night. Mott currently sits in second place, a half-game ahead of the third place Pioneers. In their first meeting, Mott won 85-79.
Game time is 7:30.