Delta Men Drop Season Opener

Delta Men Drop Contest

Play in consolation game of Erie CC tourney tomorrow

Buffalo, NY – The Delta College men's basketball tipped off the 2015-2016 season in Buffalo on Saturday, dropping an overtime contest with Lakeland CC, 96-93.  A tightly contested first half saw 12 lead changes before the Pioneers found themselves by 13 with under five minutes to go before halftime.  A furious full court press and 'in-your-face' tenacity brought DC back, however, as they took a 41-39 lead into the half.

The back and forth affair continued throughout the second half where Delta found itself down by five with 2:30 to go in the game.  A clutch three by Tyler Ellis and a pair of free throws finally put Delta in front by one with 15 seconds left to go.

The Lakers held the ball for the last shot and drew a foul with 2.5 seconds to go.  After a make to tie the game, the second shot rimmed out and Delta was unable to connect on a desperation heave.

Playing short-handed in overtime proved challenging for Delta as four of their ten roster players had fouled out in regulation.  With two minutes left to go in OT and the Pioneers trailing by one, another player fouled out leaving Delta with just five guys.  It appeared that five would be enough, however.

Down four with 30 seconds to go, Andrew Miller cut the Laker lead to one with a three pointer.  A foul put Lakeland on the line where they buried a pair of bonus shots to up the lead to three.  With time running down, Delta freshman Mason VanPamel attempted a three pointer at the buzzer that rimmed out.

"The pride I have in my guys right now is priceless," said first year coach Carlos McMath.  "The way we fought back to say in the game speaks more volumes than a win or loss will ever do."

Tyler Ellis led the Pioneers with 34 points, five rebounds and three steals.  Devin Smith (12 points, 9 boards) and Jon Swift (15 points, 4 assists, 5 steals) also contributed for Delta. 

"We have to stick to the process," said McMath.  "The amount of passion and pride we played with shows that we have the potential to be great.  We just need to stick to the process."

Delta plays the loser of Cuyahoga and Erie in Sunday's consolation contest before coming home and facing Mid Michigan Community College on Saturday, November 14^th.