Toledo, OH---The Express snapped a three-game losing streak with a 96-71 defeat of Edison State Community College in the SHAC Wednesday night.
The Chargers started strong and had Owens down the majority of the first half. After taking a 31-21 lead with 8:17 remaining in the first half, Edison saw its advantage disappear in the next 3:03 as the Express went on a 12-2 run to tie it at 33. Owens then closed the half on a 19-5 run, and led by as many as 17 shortly before ending the half up 52-38.
In the second half, the Express opened with a 28-7 run and held an 80-45 lead with 10:23 remaining. Franklin Lindsey and Kelvin Clark both came through with career highs in points off the bench for Owens. Lindsey was third on the team in scoring as he finished with 16 points, three rebounds, three steals and one assist, while Clark was fourth on the team in scoring and finished with 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block.
The Express was led by James Kelly, who while despite only playing 23 minutes, finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two assists. He went 8-for-10 from the field and 2-for-3 from the foul line. Justin Edmonds added 17 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal in 27 minutes.
Edison State was led by Lamont Cole, who finished with 23 points and four steals. Kyle Duncan added 13 points, while Jessie Davis had 12 points. Nick Tingle pitched in seven points and 17 rebounds (11 offensive) for the Chargers.
Owens shot 38-for-73 from the field overall, 11-for-29 from 3-point range and 9-for-16 from the foul line, while Edison State finished 25-for-64 overall from the field, 5-for-17 from 3-point range and 16-for-24 from the foul line. Edison outrebounded the Express 43-35, but the Express had 11 less turnovers, 17 more assists, two more blocks, eight more steals, 10 more points in the paint, 14 more points off turnovers, and 29 more points off the bench.
With the win, Owens is now 16-8 overall and 3-3 in the OCCAC. Edison State falls to 7-12 overall and 0-5 in the OCCAC.
The Express will travel to Columbus, Ohio to take on No. 3 Columbus State Community College at 3 p.m. Saturday.