Delta Men Win on the Road

Alpena, MI - The Delta College men's basketball team got a huge road win over the Alpena Lumberjacks Monday night, 86-78, in a game that was postponed from last week due to weather. With the win, they are now guaranteed a spot in the postseason district tournament and hold a 7-4 conference record (7-16 overall).

Right from the tip, Delta jumped out to an early lead on a dunk by Jovon Thomason and two free throws by Jon Swift.  Their hot start pushed the lead to 16-5 with 15 minutes left in the first half but the Lumberjacks would not go down without a fight and used 6 three pointers and 13 free throws to battle back and take a 43-39 lead into the half.

"We knew going into this game that they could shoot the 3 (pointer)," said head coach Carlos McMath.  "We lost some assignments and got away from our game plan and Alpena made us pay for it."

The Pioneers pounded the ball inside to start the second half as Jake Thomman and Allante Wheeler established their inside presence and forced the Lumberjack zone to drop back in the paint. Back-to-back triples by Tyler Ellis and Mason VanPamel and a three point play by Will Williams put DC ahead, 68-54, with 11:31 left in the game.

The Delta defense salted the game away from there and secured the road win.

The Pioneers had five guys in double figures on the night, let by Martel Handley with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Allante Wheeler (17 points, seven rebounds), Tyler Ellis (11 points) and Jacob Thomman (10 points) contributed to the effort on offense as well.  Jon Swift also added 10 points.

"I was really pleased with our balanced scoring attack tonight," added McMath.  "Any time you come up to Alpena, in a rivalry game, and come away with a W, I will take it."

"We need to continue to stay focused. We are now in third place in the Eastern division and have two more big games this week. We need to get a lot or rest and turn our focus to Oakland."

The Delta Men's basketball team will be back in action on Wednesday when they travel to Oakland Community College. The Pioneers will be looking to avenge a 94-84 loss last time against the Raiders.

Tip off is scheduled for 7pm.