Aztecs defense slows up Vikes

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March 19, 2010

BY JOHN DUBOIS The Commercial-News Fri Mar 19, 2010, 01:16 AM CDT

DANVILLE — Pima College Aztecs guard Warren Baker said the motto of his team was “Defense, defense, defense” and defense did prove to be the key as the Aztecs held the Mercer Vikings scoreless for over 15 minutes en route to a 79-58 victory.

Making their first ever NJCAA national tournament appearance, the Aztecs had an easier time rebounding from an opening day loss than most teams would.

“We have the entire city of Tucson anxious for us and wanting us to do well,” said Pima coach Karl Pieroway. “We had no trouble getting up for this game. We may be the new guys, but we didn’t want to leave here 0-2.”

The Aztecs had six players score at least nine points with Baker leading the way with a game-high 20. Daniel Conorque added 15, Azikeke Odima had 12, and Ervin Felder chipped in 10.

Derek Williams had 20 for Mercer with Isaiah Andrews adding 10.

Baker scored 10 of his team’s first 12 points, but the score was still tied at 16-16 midway through the first half.

“With Travaras Peterson out I knew I had to come out and be aggressive,” Baker said. “I took it on myself to step up.”

Peterson is the Aztecs’ leading scorer and was hurt in the opening game loss to Lincoln. Baker struggled in that game and Pieroway was especially happy for the way his sophomore guard was able to bounce back.

“Warren came out with a vengeance to score after having one of his worst shooting games against Lincoln in the opener,” he said. “He knew there were people here watching him and today he showed the skills and extra gear that make him a unique player.”

Mercer would take their last lead at 24-20 before an 18-3 run sent the Aztecs to the half up 38-27. A 17-2 run to open the second half would essentially put the game away.

“We knew the sun would come up again after the opening loss and we needed to be more aggressive today,” Baker said. “I tried to come out in the second half even more aggressive than in the first. I just wanted to play hard and help my team win.”

Pieroway gave a lot of the credit for his team’s defensive effort to his post players.

“We aren’t very big inside,” he said. “We changed a little in respect to what we wanted to do defensively but the key was our guys did a good job on their post players.”

The Aztecs would take their largest lead at 68-40 before a late 18-9 burst by Mercer accounted for the final margin. The loss ends the Vikings season. Coach Howard Levy was unavailable for comment.

Pima returns to action today with a 1 p.m. game against Grand Rapids.

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