Kelly's 22 Points, 18 Rebounds Not Enough For Express Men In 72-67 Loss To No. 16 KVCC

By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Kalamazoo, MI---Despite a huge game from James Kelly, the Express men's basketball team blew a 15 point halftime lead and lost to No. 16 Kalamazoo Valley Community College 72-67 on the road tonight.

The Express led by eight through the game's first 10 minutes and stretched it to a 40-19 lead late in the first half. KVCC closed the half on an 8-2 run, however, to cut the deficit to 15.

In that first half, the Express shot 50 percent from the field, while KVCC finished at 31.4 percent.

With 10 minutes remaining in the game, the Express led by eight, but KVCC rallied to tie the game at 62 with 4:30 remaining. After that it was back and forth before KVCC pulled away with free throws late.

KVCC took advantage of a poor second half shooting performance by the Express to stay undefeated at 6-0. The Express shot only 24.2 percent in the second frame, while KVCC shot 51.6 percent.

Kelly finished with 22 points, 18 rebounds (five offensive), three blocks and two steals. Joe Retic II added 13 points and four assists, while Andy Bachman had 12 points.

Franklin Lindsey chipped in five points and seven rebounds (five offensive) for the Express, while Jay Marquette had two steals.

The Express was without the services of one of their leading scorers, Justin Edmonds.

Jevonte Hughes led KVCC with 16 points and 14 rebounds, while LeDale Griffin had 14 points and Daquavion McCants-Wilson had 10 points and eight rebounds.

The Express (4-3) will take part in the Lansing CC Invitational this weekend. On Friday, they will play Lansing Community College at 8 p.m. before taking on Kellogg Community College at 1 p.m. on Saturday.