Kelly's Triple-Double, Bachman's 18 Points Carry Express Men Past Cuyahoga 96-80

By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Cleveland, OH---James Kelly posted a triple-double to lead the Express men's basketball team past Cuyahoga Community College 96-80 on the road tonight.

Kelly, who had a first half scoring battle against Cuyahoga's Joshua Reagan, totaled 30 points, 12 rebounds, 10 steals, two blocks and one assist. He finished 13-for-21 from the field overall and 4-for-5 from 3-point range. Four of his rebounds were offensive.

Kelly's 30 points marked a season-high, and it was four points away from his career high. He now had 57 points and 22 rebounds in the team's first two OCCAC games.

As a team, the Express shot 16-for-33 (48.5) from 3-point range and 34-for-65 (52.3 percent) from the field overall.

Reagan, who had 26 points in the first half, was held to seven second half points. He led Cuyahoga with 33 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Meanwhile, Andy Bachman teamed with Kelly to pace the Express offensive. The freshman hit 6-for-12 from long range and finished with 18 points, five rebounds and two assists.

Joe Retic II added 16 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Franklin Lindsey had 13 points, three rebounds and three assists.

Cuyahoga's Chris Comity added 14 points and five assists, while Conor Mabry had 10 points.

The Challengers outscored the Express 44-36 in the paint, but the Express outscored the Challengers 40-23 in points off turnovers. They committed 22 turnovers against the Express defense. The large difference came at the 3-point line, where the Express outscored the Challengers 48-15.

The Express, who led 54-50 at halftime, improved to 13-6 overall and 2-0 in the OCCAC, while Cuyahoga fell to 7-10 overall and 0-2 in the OCCAC.

The Express will travel to Cincinnati State Community College on Saturday for a 3 p.m. matchup.