No. 10-ranked Mott smashes undermanned Kirtland CC, 93-53

Mott sophomore Kory Billups scored 20 points with four rebounds and four steals in the BearsMott sophomore Kory Billups scored 20 points with four rebounds and four steals in the Bears’ blowout of Kirtland Wednesday night. (Photo: Gerry Leslie)

FLINT, Michigan — One could only sit back and feel sorry for the Firebirds of Kirtland on Wednesday night. The team, with only five players suited up, traveled two and a half hours down I-75 only to get mollywhopped by no. 10-ranked Mott (24-3).

Mott, fresh off two road losses to the MCCAA Eastern Conference’s top competition (Wayne and Oakland), ran roughshod over the Firebirds after playing a competitive game in their gym just last month.

Mott was paced earlier by the stellar all-around play of sophomore Kory Billups, who scored  20 points with four rebounds and four steals. The 6-3 swingman from Chicago had three steals in the game’s first three minutes.

The Bears led by 27 points at the half, excited the crowd with a few dunks in the second and cruised to the victory.

Sophomore forward Fred Mattison had 20 points (two dunks) with 13 rebounds and four assists. Freshman guard Malik Albert had 17 points  with five steals and three assists. Freshman center Coreontae DeBerry added 10 points including one monster dunk.

Artem Moskin, a 6-6 forward from Moscow, led all scorers with 25 points for Kirtland. Alastair Cole added 15.

Mott will finish out the regular season with a pair of very winnable games at Schoolcraft on Saturday and at home versus Alpena next Wednesday night.

In order to compete in the MCCAA state championship game, the Bears will need some help from Oakland. The Raiders have a much more difficult slate of final games. Oakland beat Delta College Wednesday night, 71-67.