POSITIVE MIND ATTITUDE!

Warren, Michigan - It's been a rough start for the 2015-16 version of the Delta College men's basketball team as the Pioneers began the season by dropping the first 12 games.  However, head Coach Carlos McMath and his staff have been preaching, "The Bigger Picture" when it comes down to their non-conference woes.  On Monday, the first day of the conference schedule, the bigger picture revealed itself.

In a road game at Macomb Community College the Pioneers picked up their first win of the season in their first conference game as they outlasted the Monarchs, 83-77 in overtime. 

"It's not about me and my coaching record," said McMath about earning his first victory as a college head coach.  "It's about my guys believing and buying in to the culture.  If you've seen us play you know that my guys play extremely hard, but now we are competing at a higher level".  

The first half saw both teams attack on the offensive end of the court, using an up-and-down the floor pace that saw Macomb take a commanding 11 point lead at the half.  Delta's inside presence of Dan Stanback accompanied by the attacking ability of Johnathan kept the Pioneers in the game early but a late push by Macomb staked them to the halftime lead.

DC opened the second half up with a 16-4 run to capture the lead at the seven minute mark.   Holding on to a two-point lead in the closing moments of regulation, Delta was stripped on a drive to the basket that led to a fast break layup for Macomb to tie the game up at 72-72.  After missing the go ahead basket with 25 seconds to go in regulation, the Pioneers defense stepped up and forced a miss to push the contest in to overtime.

"The game became physical but also mentally exhausting," said McMath.  "Both teams where laying it out on the line.  But our guys have been here (overtime) before." 

Delta went on to outscore Macomb 11-5 in the overtime to secure their first victory in the conference and on the season. 

The Pioneers were led by Devin Smith with 19 points and five rebounds while Jovon Thomason  had 15 points, five assists and two steals.   Delta committed just seven turnovers in 45 minutes, a statistice that wasn't lost on Coach McMath.

"That was a very tough defense," said McMath.  "And the difference was that we didn't turn the ball over."

Delta next plays on Wednesday, January 6^th as they host Alpena Community College in the MCCAA Hunger Games.  Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm.