By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Columbus, OH---No. 3 Columbus State got to the free throw line 47 times and made almost 54 percent of their shots as the Express men lost an OCCAC matchup 100-82 on the road Saturday.

Justin Edmonds scored 25 points, 17 in the second half, in an effort to lead the Express back from a 48-32 halftime deficit, but it wasn't enough. Taronta Cole Jr. and Franklin Lindsey each added 11 points, while Jerron Jamerson had 10 points. 

Columbus State dominated the Express on the boards with a 44-23 advantage - including a 12 to 8 advantage on the offensive glass. They also had more assists (21-10), less turnovers (14 to 16), more steals (9-3) more bench points (40-34), more points off turnovers (15-12), and more second chance points (14-4). 

The Cougars shot 28-for-52 overall from the field, 6-for-12 from three point range and 38-for-47 from the foul line. Meanwhile, the Express shot 32-for-66 overall, 6-for-22 from three point range and 12-for-20 from the foul line.

Glenn Cosey led five players in double figures for Columbus State. He finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Dmitri Abner added 20 points, Jordan Watson added 15 (he was 12-for-12 from the foul line), Kendrick Ward added 13 points, and Mohamed Conde added 13 points, 17 rebounds, and two steals.

James Kelly, the leading scorer for the Express, was held to a season low two points. He was 1-for-3 from the field with one rebound in 16 minutes of action.

The Express had upset Columbus State 65-60 at home on Jan. 7, so the loss for Owens evened the season series.

Columbus State is now 21-2 overall and 6-1 in the OCCAC, while Owens falls to 16-9 overall and 3-4 in the OCCAC. The Express will be back in action next Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on the road against Cuyahoga Community College. They have five regular season games remaining.