PIONEERS FINISH NON-CONFERENCE SEASON UNBEATEN

University Center, MI-

The Delta College men's basketball team was on a mission to accomplish something that had only been done once before at Delta College, finish off the pre-conference season undefeated.  To accomplish their goal, they would have to get passed a tough and scrappy Muskegon Jayhawk ball club.  Not only had the Jayhawks lost some tight ball games but they would also have the services of point guard DeQuaveon Stuckey for the first time in the season.  It would be a tough battle if the Pioneers wanted to push their record to 8-0.                

The first half saw a lot of up and down action with both teams looking to get out in transition.  A Martel Handley three pointer followed up by a Virgil Walker Jr. put back gave the Pioneers an early 10-4 lead.  A Virgil Walker Jr. dunk and a Torandis Mack transition lay-up gave the home team a slim 27-24 with five minutes left in the half.  The Jayhawks would come right back and take a 30-29 lead at the two minute mark.  The Delta men would end the half strong and a Martel Handley three pointer followed up by a Leonte Parker floater in the lane gave the Pioneers a 34-30 lead heading into the locker room.

"The first half was quite ugly," said Head Coach Carlos McMath.  "Both teams play tough defense and look to get out in transition.  The combination of those two factors can lead to a lot of mistakes and turnovers."       

The Pioneers would calm things down in the second half and built up their biggest lead of twelve points with seven minutes left in the game.  A Peyton Miller hook shot followed up by a Martel Handley lay-up made the score 64-52.  The Jayhawks would battle back and cut the Pioneer lead down to five, 64-59, with five minutes left.  A pivotal basket by Deon Gray pushed the lead back to 70-61 at the three minute mark and the Pioneers would knock down some clutch free throw down the stretch to preserve the 78-67 victory.       

Martel Handley led the way for the Pioneers with 27 points. Virgil Walker Jr. had 12 points and 11 rebounds.  Peyton Miller also added 12 points and had 4 steals.  Jalen Fykes had one of his best games of the season with 11 points and 8 rebounds.  Point guard, Torandis Mack struggled early in the game but finished strong and ended with 9 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists.         

"Tonight's game was definitely not our best performance of the year so far," said McMath.  "Muskegon is a very good basketball team and their pressure forced us to turn the ball over a lot.  I was happy that we kept battling and grinded out the victory.  We are fortunate enough to have some time off before conference, fine tune things, and get ready for Wayne County."

The Pioneer men will kick off the conference season on January 4, 2018 when they travel to Wayne County Community College.  Wayne County is also off to a great start to the season with a 5-2 record. The Pioneers and Wildcats split their season series last season with both teams winning on their home courts.  Tip-off is at 7:30 pm.