Men's Basketball Weekend Wrap Up: Tops move to 22-4 with 2 victories

Tri-C 76  Owens 58

The Tri-C Men's Basketball team hit the road against Owens Community College on Saturday. The Express were out manned and never challenged the Tops. The good guys were up 11 (39 -28) by half and continued to press the gas in the second stanza and held the Express to 38% shooting for the day.

The Tops forced 21 turnovers and owed the glass 45 - 32.  Tyishawn Smiley led the scoring with 18 points. Smiley also snatched 12 rebounds including seven off the offensive glass. The relentless pressure caused problems for the Express and found them unable to maintain composure chasing down missed shots. Two time OCCAC Player of the Week and National Player of the week, Devin Haid's near double-double (14 points and nine boards) was an example of the Express' inability to box out as Haid managed to clean the glass with five offensive boards. Manny Hill continued his impressive assault on the glass as he posted eight boards and added 17 points. Tallice Landers came off the bench to add nine points on another solid shooting day. 

Tri-C 51  Detroit Community Christian College 19

In an odd set of circumstances, Tri-C Men's Basketball was awarded a forfeit victory over Community Christian College on Sunday after Community Christian failed to come back to the court after halftiime.  The first half was very one sided with the Tops holding a 51-19 lead going into the break.  While the stats for the game will not count, Tyishawn Smiley was dominant in the paint in the first half with 12 points and Devin Haid also had 12 going at the half.  The individual stats will count for the players.

With the two victories this weekend, the Tops move to 22-4 on the season and 10-2 in OCCAC play.  

This also sets up a battle for at least a share of first place in the OCCAC on Wednesday night at 7:30 pm as rival Lakeland will come to town leading the OCCAC with a 19-4 record but 11-1 in conference.  The Tops will look to avenge an earlier loss at Lakeland.  This will also be the Ben Wallace Jersey Retirement night at halftime.  Admission is free and concessions will be available.