Pioneers Falls Short in Their Comeback Bid Against #8 SchoolCraft

 University Center, MI---Pioneers (11-9; 4-4) looking to keep the momentum from a monumental win on Saturday came up short falling to #8 in the nation(17-3; 6-1) Schoolcraft College 75-78 in a hotly contested game. 

The game opened with some early defensive stops that lead both teams to score in transition as it seemed that it will be a track meet all game.  After the first few possessions the players settled down and it became a defensive slugfest with block shots and on ball intensity from both teams.  "We understood going into this past week that the 3 games in six days will be emotionally draining, but we had to challenge ourselves mentally to be better" Coach Carlos McMath said.  In the first half play of Julian Henderson 16pts, 12rebs, 3stls, and 2blks (Saginaw/Saginaw, MI) brought the Pioneers back within 2 points before a late second put back gave Ocelots the 37-33 lead going into the half. 

The slugfest of the first half was evident in the second half but offense was the focus now with both teams.  The Ocelots were lead by Ja'Christian Biles who had 28 points on the night but scored three big baskets to sustain their lead.  THE Pioneers roared back into the game behind big plays by Markell Bradshaw 19pts (Saginaw/Saginaw,MI) and Benjamin Batts 16pts, 5rebs, and 5ast.(Arthur Hill/Saginaw, MI) came up big during the Pioneers last big push to complete the comeback.   

In the closing moments the Pioneers had a few good shots at the basket with 30 seconds left.  Henderson drove to the basket and kicked to the corner for a open 3 point shot for Batts that went in and out, but Henderson hustle play to save the ball that got deflected to Batts where his running floater within and came out.  The Ocelots missed a free throw and Henderson pushed the ball full court while down by two and drove to the basket which was blocked.  After another missed free throws by the Ocelots, Batts shot a heave shot with .8 seconds left which came up short. 

 "Proud of the way we competed.  At the half way point of the conference season we know the value of the possession, we need to continue to learn in these close games.  I think we learned what it takes to compete in this league.  I look forward to see how we grow moving into the second round of league game." Coach Blackbourn

The Pioneers are back in action on Saturday January 31^st, as they take on St. Clair County Community College at 3:00pm at the Pioneer gym.