Phantoms Fall to Salem 81-73

Carneys Point, NJ—Following a seesawing first half that saw several lead changes, the Delaware County Community College men's basketball team lost to host Salem Community College 81-73.

The DCCC Phantoms took a 35-35 tie into the break after being down by as many as seven early on as well as up by five in the waning minutes. "We had a couple of uncharacteristic offensive plays at the end of the half that allowed Salem to even the score and that hurt us in the long run," said DCCC Head Coach Dwayne Saunders.

Saunders gave props to the Mighty Oaks. "Their timely three-point shooting paid dividends," he said. Both teams shot well overall, with DCCC at 44 percent and Salem at 46 percent, but Salem was also a difference-making 11-23 from long range (with Joshua Ramos going 5-6 from three).

Despite acknowledging some defensive missteps in the second half, with Salem pulling ahead and never again relinquishing the lead, Saunders saw a lot of positives on the court. "We played solid," he said. "The effort, energy, and physical toughness were all there."

The Phantoms had four double-digit scorers in Jabree Martin, Darrius Best, Omar Davis, and Jaquan Fisher, with Best and Davis adding nine and eight rebounds, respectively. "Jaquan along with Evan [Vandetti-Spahr] really gave us toughness off the bench," Saunders added.

DCCC is now 1-1 for the season. Saunders looks forward to the team "cleaning up some things" before facing Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland in another away contest on Tuesday, November 12. The Phantoms' home opener will be Thursday, November 14, vs Williamson College of the Trades at FiDonce Gym, 215 E 21st St, Chester, PA.