Grays and Jackson lead Cincinnati State to hard fought road win over Owens

By Nick Novy/Cincinnati State Sports Information

Toledo, OH---In a contest which had 8 lead changes and 11 ties, Cincinnati State edged Owens Community College 90-82 thanks to freshman Winston Gray's game-high 22 points, and sophomore Tom Jackson's 18 points, 8 assists and 1 crucial blocked shot.
 
Tied 68-68 with 5 minutes remaing, the Surge went on a 10-2 run sparked by Kevin Marshall, who forced Owens into two turnovers and tracking down a loose ball which led to a Grays field goal, putting the Surge up 78-70.
 
Responding to Cincinnati State's run, Owens' Andy Bachman and Joe Retic II each made 3 pointers from well beyond the arc as the Express cut the deficit down 80-78 with just over 2:00 minutes remaining. After a defensive stop, Owens had a chance to tie or take the lead.
 
As Retic attempted to make his fourth 3-pointer, Cincinnati State's Tom Jackson rose up to block the shot, leading to a Winston Grays transition basket to put the Surge up 83-78 with 1:37. After a defensive stop, Jackson and Grays converted on 5 free throws to help seal the victory.
 
11 of Grays' 22 points came in the final 5 minutes. Jackson's game-high 8 assists marked the fourth straight game he led all players in the category. Following Jackson and Grays, was O'Brien Hobbs, who finished with 15 points. Devonte Smith finished with 11 points and 7 rebounds as the Surge climbed back to .500 in Ohio Community College Athletic Conference with a 5-5 record.

Owens, which fell to 8-2 in conference play, was led by Retic's 19 points and 5 assists. James Kelly and Andy Bachman each finished with 18 points.
 
Improving to 18-8 overall, Cincinnati State will return to action Wednesday in their final home game of the regular season against Sinclair Community College at 7:30 pm.
  
For more information on Cincinnati State athletic, please visit - www.cincinnatistate.edu/on-campus/athletics
 
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