DELHI, NY
The Owls picked up a huge victory over SUNY Delhi on Friday night, routing the Broncos 81-57, against a team they beat just 73-71 the first time they played. The Owls inch one step closer to clinching a playoff spot and are still very much in the race for a home playoff game.
How it Happened:
UMPI fell behind slightly, very early on, but quickly took control afterwards. A 14-0 run turned a 14-13 deficit into a 27-14 lead with 10:12 in the half. The Owls would never relinquish their double digit lead, as they began to dominate, something they have only been able to do in spurts this year. They put together a strong remainder of the half to lead 41-27, as Delhi fought to stay afloat.
The Owls started out quickly in the second half as well, going ahead by 20 points less than four minutes into the second half. The game was all but over with ten minutes to go, as UMPI led by as many as 27 at one point but settled for an 81-57 victory. They had one of their best days shooting, at exactly 50%, to go along with 9-20 from three-point distance.
Top Performers:
Akhe McMichael led the way with 24 points as he continues to lead UMPI in scoring, going 6-13 shooting and also 10-12 from the line. McMichael led in rebounds also with 10, giving him a rare, guard double-double. Right behind him was Doug McCalla with 20, giving the UMPI duo more than half the team's points. McCalla returned to the same floor that ended his season last year during the Owls historic run and showed up big time shooting 7-11. Tariq Martin was in double digits as well with 11 points and seven boards. Yuki Ishibashi had nine and seven as well off the bench.
Next Up:
UMPI improves to 10-12 and 8-7 in conference. They will play a game with heavy playoff implications today, Saturday, at SUNY Cobleskill. The game is essentially a must-win for UMPI's home playoff game hopes.
With a win, the Owls will move into a tie for fourth place with SUNY Cobleskill at 9-7. Cobleskill would own the tiebreaker for the time being as they have a win over a higher ranked team, having just beaten Husson on Friday night.
