By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Cincinnati, OH---The Express men's basketball team lost 80-66 to Cincinnati State on the road today despite a career-high 15 points from Taronta Cole Jr.

Justin Edmonds led the team in scoring with 18 points, while James Kelly added 16 points, 10 rebounds and two steals.

Owens played well early as Kelly produced 14 points in his first eight minutes of action, but he went to the bench with two fouls. The Express then saw an 11 point lead evaporate as the Surge took a 36-35 lead into the break.

The second half was a back-and-forth struggle most of the way, but Cincinnati State pulled away late.

Owens finished the game 25-for-64 from the field overall, 7-for-25 from three point range and 9-for-14 from the foul line. The Surge finished 32-for-55 from the field overall, 2-for-6 from three point range and 14-for-30 from the foul line.

Cincinnati State dominated points in the paint (56-28) and bench points (32-10), while also outrebounding Owens 44-33.

Cincinnati State was led by Anton Hutchins, who finished with 20 points. Thomas Jackson added 13, while Jazel Garrett had 11. Charles Clarke and D'Wayne Bazemore also finished in double figures with 10 each.

The Express are now 19-10 overall and 6-5 in the OCCAC, while Cincinnati State moves to 20-6 overall and 8-2 in the OCCAC.

Owens is back in action with their final regular season game on Wednesday in Piqua, OH against Edison State beginning at 7:30 p.m.