Delta College Falls to St. Clair County Community College in Physical Matchup
In a tightly contested matchup, Delta College men's basketball team came up short against St. Clair County Community College, falling 78-66 in a game marked by grit, physicality, and defensive battles.
Despite a spirited effort, the Pioneers struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm, shooting 37.3% from the field and 47.1% from the free-throw line. St. Clair capitalized on their opportunities, led by a dominant performance from Elijah Hennings, who poured in a game-high 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Skippers to victory.
First-Half Battle
The first half saw both teams trading baskets, with Delta College relying on balanced scoring from their starters. Brendon Schlink led the way with 12 points and eight rebounds, while Willie Humphrey made his presence felt in the paint, tallying 10 points and a team-high 14 rebounds.
St. Clair, however, showcased resilience, with Hennings finding ways to score both inside and at the free-throw line. The Skippers' aggressive play helped them get to the stripe 40 times, converting 26 of their attempts.
Key Performances for Delta
In addition to Schlink and Humphrey, Austin Kohlman contributed nine points and three assists, while Darren Mitchell and Jaylen Carthan combined for 15 points off the bench, providing a much-needed spark during critical stretches.
Defensively, the Pioneers showed flashes of excellence, forcing nine turnovers and matching St. Clair in offensive rebounds. However, Delta's struggles from beyond the arc (8-of-28) and at the free-throw line hindered their ability to close the gap.
Looking Ahead
Delta College will look to regroup and address their offensive struggles before their next game. With promising performances from key players like Schlink and Humphrey, the Pioneers remain optimistic about turning things around.
The Pioneers' next game is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20 against Jackson College, where they will aim to bounce back and showcase their potential.
Final Score: St. Clair County Community College 78, Delta College 66.