Sports photo by Steve Jakubcin An Alpena Community College men’s basketball player extends the ball toward the hoop during the Lumberjacks 91-82 loss to Delta College on Saturday in Alpena.

ALPENA – The Alpena Community College men’s basketball team (1-16) lost to Delta College 91-82 on Saturday in front of its home crowd.

The matchup started out evenly matched throughout the first half of play. With both teams trading baskets.

Alpena native Oliver Duthler gave the Lumberjacks the lead early in the game with a strong put- back bucket,making the score 14-12, Alpena.

A little later, Lumberjack guard Derian Williams connected on a floating jumper in the lane extending the lead to 18-15.

Freshman guard Gary Reed gave the Lumberjacks their biggest lead of the game with a strong drive to the basket before finishing strong at the hoop. The score was 23-17 with Alpena out front with 7:40 left in the first half.

The Pioneers went on an 8-0 run to retake the lead and led 37-32 at halftime.

The Lumberjacks cut the deficit to four points early in the second half. That was the closest the Lumberjacks would get the rest of the contest.

Lumberjack’s coach Bobby Allen said he believed his team fought the entire game.

“I just want my guys to keep playing hard each game, don’t give up, no matter what the score is,” Allen said. “I think they showed that today,”

Kavon Patterson led all ACC scorers with 22 points. Derian Williams had 20 points and Kobe Johnson added 17 points.

Next up for the Lumberjacks is a home game against Kirtland Community College on Wednesday. Tip-off for that game is at 7:30 p.m.