By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Toledo, OH---James Kelly and Andy Bachman led the Express offense in an 87-58 win over Schoolcraft College on Monday.
Kelly had his way in the paint on his way to 22 points, 10 rebounds and three assists in only 22 minutes, while Bachman finished 4-for-6 from long range to finish with 15 points and seven rebounds.
Meanwhile, Markese Allen dished out a season-high eight assists to go along with six rebounds and two steals.
With 12:41 remaining in the first half, the game was tied at 14. That's when the Express started to pull away.
Chris Wilson, who added eight points and six rebounds off the bench, got the rally started with a lay-in. That was followed by two 3-pointers from Kelvin Clark, two free throws from Justin Edmonds and two lay-ups and a jumper from Kelly.
After the dust settled, the Express were up 28-19 with 7:50 left.
The Express then held Schoolcraft scoreless over the final 5:29 of the half as they stretched a 36-27 lead to 49-27. They outscored the Ocelots 38-31 in the second half.
As a team, the Express bench produced 38 points compared to just 17 for the Ocelots. They also shot 35-for-80 (45 percent) compared to 24-for-71 (33.8 percent) for the Ocelots.
Schoolcraft was led by Richmond Jackson, who had 22 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Joniero Bryant added eight points off the bench.
The Express (8-4) will now take on the defending national champion and No. 1 team in the nation, Mott Community College on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the SHAC. The Bears come into the game undefeated.
