March 14, 2018
Updated March 21, 23, 24 and 26, 2018

The Delta College men's basketball team is headed to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament for the first time since 1989, when they claimed the National title, after defeating Schoolcraft College in the NJCAA District 10 Championship on Saturday, March 11.

The NJCAA Division II National Tournament bracket was revealed with No. 6 South Suburban College facing off against No. 11 seed Delta College at 1pm on March 21. The national tournament is March 20-24, hosted by Danville Area Community College in Danville, IL.

In the District 10 Championship game, the Pioneers lead the game at the break 31-29 after having an 11 point lead late in the first half. Delta held the lead for most of the second half or the game was tied. Schoolcraft took a 62-61 lead with 3:47 left with a jumper by Phillip Nelson. Delta took the lead for good with 2:39 left when Justin Person made a jumper. Schoolcraft could not close the gap after that. The Pioneers were led by Cedric Moten with 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals, while Martel Handley added 12 points and seven rebounds. Torandis Mack chipped in ten points, five rebounds and two steals for the Pioneers, who are now 21-6 on the season.

In the first game of the NJCAA Division II Tournament on March 21, Delta had a triumphant start beating South Suburban College of South Holland, Illinois with a final score of 82-80.

In the quarter final game on March 22, Delta used a balanced attack and a quick offensive effort in getting past the Greyhounds of Arkansas State Mid-South 80-73 at the Mary Miller Gymnasium at Danville Area Community College.

In the semi final game on March 23, the Pioneers played a tough game against Pima Community College. The game ended with a 102-94 loss for the Pioneers.

In their final game of the tournament, Delta fell to Southwestern Community College with a final score of 95-81. They ended their season with fourth place in the nation on Saturday, March 24.

For the complete Delta College men's basketball team roster and more about the team, visit the Delta Pioneers website.

Delta athletes are having great seasons recently. Along with this national berth, in 2017 both the women's soccer team and the men's baseball team contended in national competitions.

local coverage of the team

mLive – March 24, 2018
Delta College's string of stunners ends in final four of NJCAA Tournament

mLive – March 23, 2018
Cinderella rides carries Delta College to NJCAA Tournament final four

Midland Daily News – March 23, 2018
Delta men's basketball moves into NJCAA semifinals

Midland Daily News – March 21, 2018
Delta men's basketball wins opener at NJCAA Tournament

Midland Daily News – March 16, 2018
Delta men's basketball team headed to nationals for first time since 1989

Midland Daily News – March 14, 2018
Delta men's basketball coach excited about first berth in nationals since 1989 title season

WJRT TV12 – March 13, 2018
Delta College excited to be playing in NJCAA tournament for first time in nearly three decades

WNEM TV5 – March 10, 2018
Delta College hoops wins district tournament, advances to national tourney