Pioneers Use Balanced Attack in Win Over Macomb

University Center- Coming off a convincing 29 point road victory at St. Clair, the Delta men's basketball team was looking to keep things rolling and start the second half of the MCCAA Eastern conference schedule off on the right foot. On Saturday afternoon, they welcomed the first place Macomb Monarchs to Pioneer gymnasium and made a statement.

In the first matchup, the Pioneers came out on top in overtime 83-77. This time, it wouldn't end up as close as the Pioneers rolled to an 84-68 victory.

Delta got down by five early in the first half but picked up the intensity and forced Macomb to get out of their offensive flow, ultimealy leading to ten turnovers. A Mason VanPamel steal led to a Tyler Ellis dunk and the Pioneers held a 33-24 lead with 2:54 left in the half. The Pioneers finished the half on a 9-2 run and held a 42-26 lead at the break.

"Our defensive intensity and pressure in the first half not only created turnovers but it sped Macomb up," said Pioneer head coach Carlos McMath. "It forced Macomb to play rushed and take shots that were not in the flow of their half-court offense."

The Pioneers came out of the half on fire and opened up with a 12-1 run to push the lead to 54-27. The run was highlighted by a three pointer by Martel Handley and a three point play by Jovon Thomason. The Pioneers expanded their lead to 28 points midway through the half but the Monarchs would not go down without a fight.

Macomb guard Jake Bradsher hit five three pointers to try and get them back in the game but in the end the Pioneers were too much to handle. Allante Wheeler had nine second half points for the Pioneers to help carry them to victory.

Martel Handley led the Pioneers with 18 points and eight rebounds. Tyler Ellis added 17 points and 13 rebounds and Jovon Thomason had 13 points and two steals.

With the win, the Pioneers push their record to 5-16 overall and 5-4 in the MCCAA East. The Monarchs are now 13-8, 6-3 in the MCCAA East.

"We received production from a lot of different guys tonight. That is the mark of a true team, when we share the ball and play unselfish, we can play with anyone," said McMath.

"Free throw shooting was our achilles heel early in the year but lately we are shooting a lot better. Tonight we were 19-24, 79%. If we can continue to get guys to the line and knock down shots, it puts pressure on our opponents and gives us a better chance to succeed."

The Pioneers are back in action Wednesday night as they travel to Alpena Community College. Tip-off is at 7:30.