By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Toledo, OH---Franklin Lindsey's 18 points off the bench helped the No. 17 Express men's basketball team defeat Jackson Community College 85-81 in the finale of the Owens Tip Off Classic in the SHAC Saturday.
The Express seemed to be in control throughout most of the game as they stretched their lead to double figures numerous times, but the Jets battled back throughout.
In the first half, Jackson tied the game at 26 with 7:33 remaining before the Express stretched their lead to 13 to end the half. An 11-2 Jackson run to open the second half, though, cut the Express lead to four with 16:17 remaining.
The lead was pushed back up to 13 with 9:49 remaining, but Jackson fought back once again to pull as close as three twice in the final minute. A free throw from Justin Edmonds with five seconds left put the game out of reach.
Lindsey finished 6-for-8 from the field overall, 3-for-4 from 3-point range and 3-for-4 from the foul line.
James Kelly, who was named the MVP of the Tip Off Classic, led the Express in scoring with 21 points on 10-for-16 shooting. He also added a team-high six rebounds, as well as three steals and two assists.
Edmonds also hit double figures as he finished with 13 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists.
Malik Fields led Jackson in scoring with 18 points, while Dylan Schuette had 15 and Larry Taylor had 13 points. Taylor added eight assists and three steals, while Schuette added eight rebounds.
The Express (4-2) will have off until Nov. 20 when they travel to Kalamazoo Valley Community College for a 7 p.m. matchup.
Notes
Lindsey and Edmonds were named to the All-Classic team, while Nathan Taylor of Kellogg Community College, Terrance Whitehead of Wayne County Community College and Taylor of Jackson Community College were also named to the All-Classic team.