25 Point First-Half Run Powers Express Past Mott

By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Flint, MI---The No. 12 Owens Express women's basketball team scored 25 straight points in the first half on the way to an 84-50 rout of Mott Community College on the road Wednesday night.

Clinging to an 18-14 lead with 9:19 remaining in the first half, Owens went on a 25-0 run over the next seven minutes and 17 seconds. The Express then took a 47-20 lead into the half before cruising the rest of the way as every player who logged minutes scored.

Four players scored in double figures for the Express, led by Aja Hall (Fostoria/Fostoria, Ohio), who had 17 points, eight rebounds, four steals and two assists in 21 minutes off the bench. She was 7-for-9 from the field and 3-for-3 from the foul line. The sophomore became only the 15th player in Express women's basketball history to eclipse the 700 point mark in a career. Hall currently sits at a Ruthian 714 points.

Emma-Jean Ricketts (Anthony Wayne/Waterville, Ohio) added 16 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal, while Karahn Scott (Scott/Toledo, Ohio) had 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Essence Miller (Beecher/Flint, Mich.) had 10 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block in her hometown. It was Miller's second highest point total this season, while it was Scott's season-high point total.

Ellie Riser (St. Wendelin/Fostoria, Ohio) even scored the first points of her career. The freshman guard notched four points, three rebounds and one assist in 10 minutes of action. Hailey Galvan (Archbold/Archbold, Ohio) did not play due to injury.

The Express defeated Mott 90-65 at home on Nov. 21, so the victory completes a season sweep.

The Express out-assisted the Bears 27 to 7, while notching 15 steals compared to eight for the Bears. The biggest advantage of the night for the Express, however, was on the glass as they had 53 rebounds - 26 more than the Bears. Owens also held a 16 to 9 advantage on the offensive glass.

Owens shot 36-for-70 (51.4 percent) overall from the field, 4-for-11 (36.4 percent) from three point range and 8-for-12 (66.7 percent) from the foul line. Meanwhile, Mott shot 19-for-60 (31.7 percent) overall, 2-for-16 (12.5 percent) from three point range and 10-for-16 (62.5 percent) from the foul line.

The Bears were led by 14 points from Jennica Polzin and 13 points from Marquetta.

Owens moves to 9-3 with the win, while Mott falls to 1-6. The next action for Owens is Saturday in the SHAC at 1 p.m. against No. 27 Lake Michigan College.