By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Danville, IL---The Express just didn't have it today as they lost 80-66 to No. 5 Brown Mackie College in the 3rd/4th place game at the NJCAA D-II National Tournament.
Andy Bachman did not play after injuring himself in last night's game, while starting point guard Joe Retic II played, but was limited due to an injury last night, as well.
Brown Mackie took advantage and opened up a large lead midway through the first half before the Express rallied to cut their deficit to six at 37-31 at halftime.
The second half was all Brown Mackie. The Express had a run late to make the game closer than it actually was.
Retic, who couldn't get going because of his injury, did not score in double figures for the first time in the tournament. He totaled two points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Tony Boykins was the best player on the floor for the Express today as the freshman totaled a game-high 18 points, while adding four assists, one rebound and one block.
James Kelly nearly had a double-double in 26 minutes. He had 13 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Travon Mitchell led Brown Mackie with 15 points, while Thaddeus Rideau (14), Jamelle Hays (13) and Rico Spikes (13) also hit double digits. Hays and Spikes each added 11 rebounds, while Wendell Pierre added 12 assists.
As a team, the Express finished 25-for-65 (38.5 percent) overall from the field, 7-for-22 (31.8 percent) from 3-point range and 9-for-16 (56.3 percent) from the foul line.
Meanwhile, Brown Mackie finished 33-for-69 overall (47.8 percent), 7-for-21 from 3-point range (33.3 percent) and 7-for-15 from the foul line (46.7 percent).
Notes
With the loss, the Express finish their season at 26-10 overall. Their fourth place finish is the best in the program since 2000-01.
An all-tournament will be available later.
