By Ethan Moore, Sports Editor.
The Pioneers were looking to bounce back Jan. 13 after their first conference loss, however the Oakland Raiders had other ideas as they were trying to get to 3-1 in conference play. From the get go both teams looked evenly matched as Oakland kept a consistent lead but it never grew above eight points in the first half. In the end the Pioneers kept inching closer, but could never get over the hump to close the deficit and lost 84-94
“I believe we lacked the necessary focus we need to finish possession off,” says head coach Carlos McMath. “In order for us to pull out the close ones we need to value the 50/50 plays, which are loose balls and long rebounds.”
Tyler Ellis led the way with 21 points and seven rebounds. Martel Handley had 11 points and Jon Swift added 10 points to go with his eight assists. The result isn’t necessarily what Delta was looking for, but there are certainly positives to take away from it.
“We had a very balanced scoring attack with at least four guys in double figures,” says McMath. “We also, shot 40% from behind the arc which was also great.”
The loss puts the Pioneers at 2-2 in conference play.
