By Chris Schmidbauer, Sports Information Director
Toledo, OH -- After almost a week, the Owens Express should little rust on Monday evening, blitzing their way to a 41 point win over Mott in front of the home crowd. Owens and Mott played a pretty tightly contested first period, with the Express leading by just five, at 20-15.
As has been their calling card so far on the young season, Owens dialed up the pressure on defense, and they were able to outscore the Bears 66-30 over the remaining three periods of the basketball game. The Express forced 30 turnovers in the ball game and came up with 20 steals, using the full court press. Owens turned those 30 turnovers into 28 points. They also took advantage in the paint once again, outscoring Mott 54-18 down low.
Freshman Dai'Shona Polk continued her torrid pace, finishing as the game's leading scorer with 26 points on 11-21 shooting from the field. She also finished with 11 boards on the night, marking the first double-double of her career at Owens. She came close against Schoolcraft and in the previous game, against Mercyhurst Northeast, finishing a rebound shy in both efforts. The Canton Glen Oak alum also finished with three steals on the night.
Not to be outdone, sophomore Kaylah Ivey finished with a double-double as well. She finished the game with 15 points and a team high 17 rebounds. The total was her third highest rebound total and was just two shy of her career high.
The Express had two other players in double figures on the night. Sophomore Brenda Pennington finished with 16 points on 6-13 shooting and a team high six steals. Freshman Da'vina Shelton finished with 11 points as well. She tied for the team high in assists with four, along with fellow freshman Melinda Amador who had four assists of her own in just 16 minutes on the floor.
Owens continues their hot start. The team is now 4-1 on the season and are stil 1-0 in the OCCAC after a win against Lorain Community College back on November 16. The average margin of victory for the Express is now 47 points.
Notes
- Essence Cowan started her first game of the season tonight. The Express have had to shuffle their lineup around early in the season due to injury. This was the third different starting lineup Owens has used in their first five games. Cowan replaced Alexis Boston in the starting lineup.
- Monday's game marked the first time Owens and Mott have played one another since the 2014-2015 basketball season. That season they played a home and home series. The first game was played back on December 3, 2014, which the Express won 80-56. The second game on December 30, 2014 was won by the Express as well 89-57
- In between games, the Owens Volleyball team was honored for their runner up finish at the NJCAA Tournament two weeks ago. The Express finished the season at 40-1, which was their best record, winning percentage wise, in school history.