By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Toledo, OH---The Owens Express men's basketball team furthered its statement that their program is back in the national scene following an 89-81 win over Henry Ford Community College in the SHAC Saturday night.

After three down years, including a 10-21 finish last season, the Express are now 4-0 to start the season under first year head coach Dave Clarke.

Justin Edmonds (Albion/Albion, Mich.) led the way for the Express with 21 points, three rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. The freshman tied a school record for free throw percentage in a game as he went 10-for-10 from the foul line. He is averaging 20.8 points per game through the first four games this year.

Meanwhile, another freshman, James Kelly (Pioneer/Ann Arbor, Mich.) continued his fine start with 20 points, nine rebounds, two blocks, one assist and one steal. He is averaging 16.5 points and 11.3 rebounds per game this season. Jeff Burroughs (Belleville/Ann Arbor, Mich.) added 14 points, three assists and two steals, while Jerron Jamerson (Washington/South Bend, Ind.) had 12 points, six rebounds and a team high four assists.

Henry Ford was led by 20 points from Grant Stone. James Still had 18 points, seven rebounds and four blocks, while Roderick Butler had 15 points and Christian Hill had 10 points.

The Express shot 32-for-66 (48.5%) from the field overall, including an 8-for-20 (40%) finish at the three point line. The team also finished 17-for-23 (73.9%) from the foul line. Henry Ford shot 29-for-59 (49.2%) from the field including a 6-for-14 (42.9%) performance from three point range. They were 17-for-21 (81%) from the foul line.

The Express led 50-40 at halftime, while Henry Ford nudged by the Express 41-39 in the second half to provide the final winning margin for the Express. It is the second time Owens has defeated Henry Ford this year after a 65-61 win on Nov. 3 at Henry Ford.

Hillsborough (Fla.) Community College defeated Kellogg (Mich.) Community College 82-66  in the other game of the Owens Tip Off Classic tonight.

Owens will take on Siena Heights JV in the SHAC on Monday night beginning at 7:30 p.m.