By Chris Schmidbauer, Sports Information Director

Toledo, OH -- The Owens Express Women's team jumped out to a seven point lead after the first period, and they would go on to beat Columbus State on Saturday 73-63. 

The Express would lead 24-17 after shooting nearly 60% from the field. Owens would extend their lead to eight at the break, leading 42-34 at halftime. Shyah Wheeler would score 23 points in the first half to help pace the Express in the first half. 

Despite getting into foul trouble in the third, the Express would still extend their lead. Owens would push their lead to 14 points after a pair of layups from Whitney Thames and Allison Finch. Columbus State's Mickale Bates would cut the Owens advantage to single digits with a layup at the 43-second mark in the third. The Express would still extend their lead to nine as both teams headed to the final period.

The Cougar comeback would continue over the first five minutes of the period, cutting the Express lead to just four off of another Bates layup. Owens would answer back though, going on a quick 6-0 run. Tori Kopp, Allison Finch, and Whitney Thames to extend the lead back to ten points. Columbus State would get as close as five after an old fashioned three point play pulled the Cougars within five with 2:37 left to play. Wheeler and Allison Finch would hit back to back shots to push Owens back in front by nine points. The two teams would trade free throws back and forth the rest of the game, but the Express were able to pull off the upset, winning by 10.

Shyah Wheeler would finish with 31 points on 12-22 shooting from the field. She would also finish with a double-double, grabbing 13 boards in the winning effort. It's the fourth time this season that Wheeler has scored 25 or more points and it was also her fourth double-double this year. 

Whitney Thames also tallied a double-double for the second time this season. Thames had 11 points and 13 rebounds. Thames shot 5-10 from the floor during the contest. Allison Finch would score 14 points off the bench as well. Finch was an efficient 7-12 from the floor while also grabbing five rebounds. Tori Kopp would finish with 9 points and 11 rebounds. 

Owens would shoot 41.7% (30-72) from the floor as a team, while Columbus State shot just 32.4% (24-74) from the floor. The Express are now 5-12 overall on the season and they are now 3-2 in the OCCAC. Columbus State falls to 13-5 and 4-2 in the OCCAC. 

The Express would be on the road this coming Wednesday at Lorain. Tip off is scheduled for 5:30 PM from the Ewing Activity Center in Elyria.