Pioneers Make History as They Sweep Mott on Sophomore Night

University Center, MI---------The Pioneers accomplished a feat that has been accomplished only once in school history, which is complete a regular season sweep of Mott CC with a 52-47 win. 

The Pioneers and Mott Bears tangled in a defensive struggle in their first meeting which was culminated by a late three pointer by Markell Bradshaw (Saginaw/Saginaw, MI) to give a 59-55 win on January 24^th 2015. 

Round two was the same as round one with a defensive struggle in the first half.  The defensive pressure by both teams was evident from the start and scoring was at a premium.  The half score of 16-21 was a combination of familiarity between both teams and intensity.  The Pioneers, who averages 79 points per game, scored 16 points in one half as their lowest output of the season. 

In the second half the Pioneers opened with a 6-0 run to tie the game up and it became a back and forth track meet. 

The great crowd that was on hand for the sophomore night was excited and intense from start to finish which lead to a great event. 

The game was tied at 42 than the Pioneers took the lead at the 5 minute mark with a offensive rebound put back by Travon Cotton (Heritage/Saginaw, MI) 4 points and 8 rebounds.  The Pioneers struggled at the free-throw line on the night but in the closing moments of the game the team went 6-6 to gain the 52-47 win. 

"This was a great win for us; we defended at a very high level.  We missed some shots we are used to making and did not capitalize on free throws opportunities, but our defense kept us in it.  Holding Mott to 47 points doesn't happen very often.  Wrapping up the 3 seed in the tournament is huge.  Now it's about fine tuning things and getting for March.  It was also great to honor our sophomores by sending them out in their last regular season home game with a win.  They have put in a lot of work and it's nice to see them get rewarded. "  Coach Kyle Blackbourn. 

Julian Henderson (Saginaw/ Saginaw, MI) led all scorers with 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Benjamin Batts (Arthur Hill/Saginaw, MI) added 10 points.  The contribution by Sophomores Chris Chrzan (Ida/ Monroe, MI), Gabe Blalock (Midland High/Midland, MI) , and Travon Cotton while guarding a talented front court of Mott helped secure the hard fought win. 

The Pioneers will return to action for the final regular season game at the #1 ranked team in the nation and MCCAA East regular season champion Schoolcraft College.  The game starts at 7:00pm in Livonia, Michigan.