Pioneer Men End Season on High Note

University Center, MI – The Delta College men's basketball team came into Friday's game with a lot on the line. A win would guarantee them at least a third place spot in the MCCAA East standings and allow them to host the first round of the district playoffs. A loss and they could slide down to the sixth spot and be on the road for the first round.

In the end, all the pressure didn't seem to faze the young Pioneers as they had five guys score in double figures and beat the St. Clair Community College Skippers 85-73. With the win, the Pioneers move to 10-6 in the MCCAA Eastern division and 10-18 overall.

"Today was a big win for us," said Delta Head Coach Carlos McMath. "We got production from a lot of different guys and have an opportunity to host a playoff game Tuesday night."

The first half proved to be a game of runs for both teams as momentum shifted back and forth. The Pioneers built up a 17-11 lead at the fourteen minute mark as Mason VanPamel scored several buckets in the paint and Martel Handley got free for a layup. The Skippers then went on a 15-8 run to regain the lead 26-25 at the seven minute mark. The Pioneer's Tyler Ellis then led his team on a 17-6 charge to finish the half up 42-32.

In the first four minutes of the second half, the Skippers came out flying and closed the gap to 42-41. Over the next four minutes, the Pioneers responded and went on a 15-4 run that was capped off by two huge three pointers by Manny Dosanjh. A VanPamel three pointer and an Allante Wheeler three point play put the Pioneers up 62-49 with eight minutes left. The Pioneers were able to ice the game away down the stretch due to clutch free throws by Jonathon Swift and VanPamel.

VanPamel's career high 20 points led the balanced scoring attack for the Pioneers. Swift added 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Tyler Ellis added 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Martel Handley and Manny Dosanjh had 12 and 10 points respectively.

"We knew that St. Clair was a dangerous team and for the most part we limited what they wanted to do and kept them off the glass. There is always room for improvement but I am happy with a lot of the things we are doing as we head into the playoffs."

Delta will be back in action Tuesday night as they host the first round of the district tournament.  They enter the post-season as the #3 seed and will play #6 Macomb.