Second Half Surge Stings Yellow Jackets

DEFIANCE, OHIO - The Defiance College men's basketball team continued HCAC action on Wednesday night as they welcomed Manchester University to the Karl H. Weaner Center. The Yellow Jacket quick paced offense fell just short as the Spartans prevailed 76-70. 

Coach Scott Cutter's side came out flying in the first half with high energy basketball. The HCAC foes battled for early control of the contest as they traded leads four times within the first 10 minutes of the half. With the game knotted at 12-12 the Purple and Gold found some momentum. A Tyler Andrew (Indianapolis, Ind. / Lawrence Central) made jump shot sparked a 14-point run for the home side. 

Despite the high pressure defense by the Yellow Jackets, the Spartans were able to battle back before halftime. Outshooting the visitors 46.7% to 39.1% from the field allowed DC a 33-27 lead heading into the locker room. On the defensive side of the ball Defiance found similar success as the Yellow Jackets forced 13 of the Spartan's 20 turnovers in the first period of action.

The Purple and Gold came out firing once again to start the second half of action. An Andrew layup, Jordan Maschino (Bradford / Covington) layup, and a pair of Davontae Kinnie (Ft. Wayne, Ind. / Northside) free-throws extended the DC lead to 39-27. Manchester slowly cut into the Defiance advantage as the sides were tied once again with 13:18 remaining on the clock.  

Fans in the Weaner Center were treated to exciting basketball for the remainder of the contest. Neither side could find an extensive lead as the score remained close. The Spartans pulled out to a 70-61 lead before the home side was forced to begin fouling. Despite cutting into the Spartan lead in the final minute of action, DC could not complete the comeback, falling to Manchester 76-70. 

On the day, Maschino led the way with 17 points. The junior also forced three turnovers and grabbed nine rebounds during the Yellow Jacket effort. Three other Yellow Jackets broke the double-digit scoring barrier as Kinnie finished with 15, Andrew 13, and Sean Tyson (Columbus / Centennial) wrapped up with 10. 

The loss brings the Defiance record to 0-6 with an 0-2 mark in the HCAC. The side will return to action Saturday, December 8 as they travel to Franklin College for a 2:00 pm tip-off.