February 21, 2016

Pioneers Beat First Place Schoolcraft

Earn seven point victory over #7 team in the nation

Box Score

University Center -  After scoring struggles the past couple of games the pioneers shots fell on Saturday to the tune of a 82-75 victory over MCCAA East leading Schoolcraft.  The Ocelots came into the contest sporting a 25-2 record and #7 national ranking. 

"Our defense has been looking better every game but we have been struggling on the offensive end," said head coach Kelly Miller.  "However today we put together a full forty minute game."
The win propels DC to 10-5 in the conference and in a three-way tie for third place.
Earlier in the season, Schoolcraft knocked off Delta by 21 points but from watching the game today, one would never know that.  In a game that only saw the Pioneers trail by one point to end the first quarter, it was easy to tell from the beginning that this was going to be a much closer game.

While Delta's biggest deficit came midway through the first, it was only three points and after putting up 21 points in the second quarter, the Pioneers took a six point lead into the locker room at halftime. 

"Despite the loss back in January, we held them to only 60 points so that was what we focused on," said Miller.  "We knew that if we could get our offense rolling we could come away with a victory on our floor."
 

The third quarter saw Delta's offense roll to the tune of 25 points as they extended their lead by 13 heading into the fourth, 64-53.  With a stop and a quick basket to start the fourth and final quarter the Pioneer lead ballooned to 15 and they never relinquished it.

"In both the 3rd and 4th quarters Schoolcraft made their runs which is going to happen when you face a hard working team like them, but we weathered the storm and held on to finish the game out strong."
 

In a game that saw outstanding free throws from both teams, the Lady Pioneers stepped up and hit them when it counted shooting 93% from the free line for the game (26-28).  Balanced efforts on offense were led by Jayde Abenth with 27 points and 15 rebounds while Brooke Schutte added 21 points and seven assists.    Jenna Szostak (15 points) and Tenesha Blair (10 points, 12 rebounds) rounded out the effort. 

"We had a plan and we executed it," said Miller.   "Were excited that this win helped us secure a home spot for the first round of the District but we have to make sure that we take care of business Wednesday in our last conference game to go into playoffs the way we want to!"
 

Delta hosts St. Clair County CC next Wednesday at the Pioneer gymnasium.  While DC and the Skippers are both tied in the standings at 10-5, Delta defeated them 67-61 earlier in the season.  Game time is scheduled for a 5pm tip.