Macomb Capitalizes On Turnovers To Upset No. 4 Express Women

Nandi Taylor and the No. 4 Express were upset 65-63 by Macomb today. Photo by Kyle Wilber/Owens Sports Information
Nandi Taylor and the No. 4 Express were upset 65-63 by Macomb today. Photo by Kyle Wilber/Owens Sports Information

By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Kalamazoo, MI---The No. 4 Express women committed 29 turnovers in a 65-63 loss to Macomb Community College in the opener of the Turkey Shootout today.

Mackenzie Heacock hit a three from the left wing to give the Express a 61-57 lead with 1:59 remaining, but Macomb rallied to close the game on an 8-2 run.

Uniqua Mitchell missed a running 3-point attempt from straightaway as time expired.

Earlier in the second half, the Express opened up their largest lead at 40-29 with 16:56 remaining. Macomb, however, went on a 12-2 run to cut the lead to one with 11:44 remaining.

The Express stretched the lead back to nine with 6:22 left after a Breonna House three, but Macomb battled back once again.

Emma-Jean Ricketts, who missed a free throw that would have tied the game with 25 seconds remaining, led the Express with 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal.

Karahn Scott added a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Mitchell had nine points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Macomb had a decided advantage in the paint as the Express couldn't control Dominique Mahone inside. The sophomore center had 19 points and 10 rebounds, while eight of those rebounds came on the offensive glass, and she had crucial put backs down the stretch.

Mahone helped Macomb post a 46-30 advantage in points in the paint. The Monarchs also outscored the Express 20-19 in bench points, as Heacock and House each scored seven to lead the Express in bench scoring.

The Express (3-1) will take on Kalamazoo Valley Community College at 1 p.m. tomorrow in the finale of the Turkey Shootout. Macomb improves to 4-0 this season.