By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Toledo, OH---The Express were in a back-and-forth struggle for a decent portion of their season opener against Lourdes JV, but solid 3-point shooting and a key defensive stop helped the Express to a 90-88 win in overtime on Tuesday.
The season opener was the head coaching debut for Dave Clarke.
Owens started strong as they jumped out to an 8-0 lead thanks to two three pointers from Justin Edmonds (Albion/Albion, Mich.) and two free throws from Jerron Jamerson (Washington/South Bend, Ind.).
Lourdes then answered with a 10-0 run to take the lead and then stretched their lead to seven with 8:54 remaining in the half. Following a timeout, the Express then answered with a 7-0 run to tie the game, but Lourdes held strong to take a 34-30 lead into the half.
The second half would continue to be a back and forth struggle. Owens couldn't seem to find the lead, but strong three point shooting from Jeff Burroughs (Belleville/Belleville, Mich.) kept the Express close until Jeremy Weemes (Springfield/Holland, Ohio) put back a missed free throw by James Kelly (Pioneer/Ann Arbor, Mich.) to give Owens a one point lead with 1:25 remaining.
Lourdes then took the lead back, but Owens tied the game at 71 with 40 seconds left on a free throw from Kelly. Lourdes had possession with less than 15 seconds to play, but Taronta Cole (Gulfport/Gulfport, Miss.) stole the ball from Justus Parker to give the Express a chance to win. However, following a timeout, a shot from Edmonds was no good at the buzzer and the game went to overtime.
Once the extra session began, the Express seized control. They started with a 5-0 run highlighted by a steal and a breakaway dunk by Kelly. A free throw by Edmonds put the Express up nine with 1:39 remaining, and the Express held off a late Lourdes rally. The Gray Wolves hit a three at the buzzer to make the final margin only two.
Edmonds led the Express (1-0) in scoring with 23 points. Despite missing the overtime session, Burroughs had 16 points and a team-high five assists. Kelly finished with a double-double as he had 15 points, 11 rebounds (seven offensive), four blocks and two steals. Jay Marquette (Central Catholic/Toledo, Ohio) was the fourth Express player in double figures with 12 points. He also had eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks. All four players were making their collegiate debuts.
Cole led the Express with three steals. He is one of only two sophomores on the team along with Jamerson.
Parker led Lourdes with 24 points, while Elvin Butler chipped in 21. Jake Dupree added 15 and Jerome Talton had 14. Lourdes was coached by former Express men's basketball assistant coach LeRoy King.
Owens will now travel to Dearborn, Mich., on Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. matchup against Henry Ford Community College.