SMC Opens Up Region X Tournament With Victory

FORT MILL, SC- The SMC Pioneers started the 2010 NJCAA Region 10 tournament Thursday night one step closer to a region title with a 71-55 victory over the Denmark Tech Panthers.

"We came out with a focused approach. The first win is always the hardest, but we played well overall," said head coach Rob Burke.

The Pioneers' offense worked over Denmark Tech, led by Jonathan Jones, who scored 12 points, and DJ Glover, with 11 points. CJ Gleaton and Tim Budd added 10 each.

On two occasions, the Pioneers stretched the lead on the Panthers to double figures only to see it evaporate as the Panthers fought back.

The Pioneers used a swarming full-court press to cause problems for the Panthers and were able to close the deal in the final three minutes for a 16-point victory.
 
Desmond Haygood was four-for-four from the line in the final minutes.  

The SMC Pioneers take on Brunswick Community College at 6 pm Friday in the tournament semi-finals.

"Friday night we have to have the same mind set with attacking and defending. We have to 'do what we do'," said Burke.

Spartanburg Methodist College is in its 99th year of providing quality education to students in a Christian environment.  More than 90 percent of SMC graduates continue their education at other institutions of higher learning.

For more information, contact the SMC Office of Sports Information at (864) 587-4008.