By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Kirtland, Ohio---The No. 18 Owens Community College men's basketball team dropped a 103-95 decision to No. 20 Lakeland Community College on the road tonight despite a combined 52 points from John Murry (North Central/Indianapolis, Ind.) and Kenny Jones (Clay/South Bend, Ind.).

Countering Murry and Jones was the depth of Lakeland's offense as they produced seven players in double figures, including all five starters.

Mike Davis led the team with 22 points off the bench, while Montell Goodwin (17), Cristen Wilson (14), Chris Scott (13), Kenneth Evans (12), Rasheed Howard (10) and Ahmid Williams (10) also hit double figures. Evans (11) and Wilson (10) each had double figure rebounds, as well, although Jones totaled a game-high 14 for Owens.

Edmond Early Jr. (Thurgood Marshall/Dayton, Ohio) added 16 points for Owens on 6-for-10 shooting, including a 4-for-8 finish from long range. Shaakir Lindsey (Teaneck/Teaneck, N.J.) had a game-high 11 assists.

The key stat in the game was the turnover battle as Lakeland only had eight compared to 23 for Owens. Lakeland took that advantage and turned it into a 28-8 difference in points off turnovers. Lakeland also held a 41-19 advantage in bench points.

In the first half, the game was back and forth although Owens led most of the half, including a seven point lead with 5:39 left. Lakeland bounced back, though, to tie the game at 46 at halftime.

Pete Firlik (Catholic Central/Grand Rapids, Mich.) hit a 3-pointer with 13:29 left in the game that pulled Owens within two, but Lakeland gradually took control of the game from there and led by as many as 17 late in the game.

Owens is now 15-5 overall and 3-1 in Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) play, while Lakeland improved to 13-5 overall and 4-0 in OCCAC play.

Owens will be back in action on Saturday as they travel to Columbus State Community College for a 3 p.m. matchup.