By Ethan Moore, sports editor.
The men’s basketball team took a trip to Kirtland, OH to play in a local tournament where they took on regional community college teams from Ohio. The Pioneers lost a close one to the Mercyhurst Northeast Saints in the tournament opener, in spite of a 20-point performance from, Point Guard, Jonathan Swift. The teams traded baskets until the end when the Saints converted free throws to put the game away.
“I can’t fault the effort of our guys but we need to bring a consistent brand of basketball to the court every game. We need to bring it right from the start of the game,” says Head Coach Carlos McMath.
In the consolation match, Delta came back to beat Pitt-Titusville 106-79. The teams were close throughout the first half, but an 11-0 run to end the half helped the Pioneers to pull away in the end. Guard Trey Newsham led the way with 19 points and six rebounds, and Guard Torion Wilson had a strong showing with 13 points, seven assists, and six steals.
“I really thought that we set the tone in this game, our spacing was better and we got out and ran the floor the way we are capable of,” says McMath.
Finally, the Pioneers played nationally ranked Lansing Community College and lost 82-108. Delta trailed from start to finish and couldn’t overcome losing the turnover battle by 14. DeMariye Lloyd scored 21 on 10-11 shooting from the field to go with 11 rebounds. The Pioneers next home game is Dec. 6 against Siena Heights.
