Kelly Breaks Career Rebounding Record In 90-65 Win Over Edison CC

Toledo, OH-- James Kelly had a team-high 20 points as the Express men's basketball team defeated Edison Community College 90-65 in the SHAC tonight.

Kelly added to his night with nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Those rebounds helped him eclipse Brian Williams (597 rebounds, 1985-87) for the program's career rebounding record.

In the first half, the Express outscored the Chargers 46-27 - thanks in large part to 15 points from Kelly.  Then, in the second half, with the Express leading by as many as 35 points the starters were pulled from the game.

With 5:36 remaining in the game, Edison's Jacob Benanzer made a layup to pull Edison to within as few as 26. The Express out scored the Chargers 44-38 in the second half.

As a team the Express out rebounded the Chargers 51-35 overall (13-9 on the offensive glass).  The Express also out scored the Chargers in the paint (46-30), in second chance points (11-3) and in bench points (48-6).  

Andy Bachman contributed 10 points and six rebounds (four offensive) for the Express, while Darius Washington added 10 points and three rebounds (two offensive). Both players came off the bench.

The Chargers' Eric Beckstedt and Kelly Kirtz contributed 15 points each for their team.

Notes:

The Express are now 20-8 overall and 9-2 in the OCCAC. They have already clinched the #2 seed for the regional tournament.

The Express will play Columbus State Community College at 3 p.m. on the road Saturday.

With tonight's win, Dave Clarke became the first Owens men's basketball head coach to win 20 or more games in each of his first two seasons.

Kelly is also three blocks away from breaking the career blocks record.  Should he do that, he will become the first player in Owens men's basketball history with at least 1,000 points, 600 rebounds and 100 blocks in their career.

He eclipsed the 500 point mark this season tonight, and he now has 1,076 career points.