By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Toledo, OH---The No. 17-ranked Express couldn't stop John Taylor and No. 1-ranked Mott Community College in an 88-65 loss in the SHAC Monday night. It was the first loss of the season for Owens.

Taylor produced 31 points and five assists in only 24 minutes of action, while Kory Billups and Darryl Marshall each scored 10 for Mott (4-0). Taylor finished 11-for-19 overall from the field, 4-for-5 from 3-point range, and 5-for-6 from the line.

Owens was led by Justin Edmonds (Albion/Albion, Mich.), who had 20 points. James Kelly (Pioneer/Ann Arbor, Mich.) was the next highest scorer with nine points and seven rebounds.

The Express shot 21-for-52 (40.4%) from the field overall, 7-for-19 (36.8%) from 3-point range, and only 16-for-25 (64%) from the foul line. Meanwhile, Mott shot 32-for-51 (62.7%) from the field, 5-for-10 (50%) from 3-point range, and 19-for-24 (79.2%) from the foul line.

Owens led 22-15 with 9:41 remaining in the first half. Mott then tied it in the next 2:29 with a 7-0 run. Following a 3-pointer for the Express by Edmonds, Mott closed the half on a 14-4 run to take a 37-30 lead. Following that, Mott scored first to open the second half to take a double-digit lead. Owens never closed the gap to single digits, but hung within 10-14 points most of the second half. Mott, however, stretched its lead the final seven minutes of the game.

Owens (6-1) will next play in the Muskegon Invitational this weekend. On Friday, the Express will take on Oakland Community College at 3 p.m. Then, on Saturday, they will take on Alpena Community College at 3 p.m. The invitational is held in Muskegon, Mich.