DELTA MEN GET SHUT DOWN BY SCHOOLCRAFT

University Center, MI -  

The Schoolcraft Ocelots are a top tier program in NJCAA men's basketball year in and year out.  Saturday afternoon they showed the Delta Pioneers just how elite and explosive they can be.  The Pioneers were stymied by the Ocelots defensive pressure all game long and it proved to be the difference in a 111-73 loss.        

The Pioneers scored the first two points of the game but that would be their only lead of the afternoon.  The Ocelots built their lead up to 24-7 with ten minutes left in the half.  A lay-up by Trey Newsham would cap a Pioneer 13-5 run and with 4:38 left in the first half, the Ocelot lead was cut down to 9.  Schoolcraft then turned up the defensive pressure and converted Pioneer turnovers into easy baskets.  They would end the half on a 19-5 run and head into the locker room with a 48-25 lead.        

"That was our worst half of basketball we've played this year," said head coach Carlos McMath.  "Schoolcraft punched us in the mouth and we didn't respond the way we are capable of."     

The Ocelots carried their first half momentum into the second half and cruised to a 38 point victory.  For the game, Schoolcraft held a major advantage in several key statistical categories.  They were 14-22 (64%) from behind the three point line while Delta was 9-14 (45%).  Schoolcraft held a 52-26 advantage for points in the paint.  Schoolcraft also turned 25 Pioneer turnovers into 35 points.          

The Pioneers were led by sophomore guard Jonathan Swift.  He had 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.  Trey Newsham and Torion Wilson each added 12 points.      

"Anytime you play a team the caliber of Schoolcraft, you have to control tempo, play disciplined, and execute," said McMath.  "We need to learn from this game, make adjustments, and move forward."

The Delta Men's basketball team (7-7, 3-3) will be back in action Saturday when they host St. Clair County Community College (7-10, 1-5).  Game time is 3:00 at Pioneer Gymnasium.