ASA College Too Much For Mitchell, Express Women In 74-54 Defeat

By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Palm Beach, FL---Despite 15 points from Uniqua Mitchell, the Express women couldn't muster enough offense in a 74-54 loss to NJCAA D-I ASA College in the Palm Beach Classic today.

Mitchell added six rebounds, but the Express couldn't contain Sashana Bucknor and Tiffany Jones of ASA, who combined to produce 18 points and 29 rebounds. Jones finished with 10 points and 13 rebounds (eight offensive), while Bucknor had eight points and 16 rebounds (seven offensive).

Meanwhile, ASA College was led in scoring by Jade Wharton, who finished with 20 points and five steals, while Shaquita Smith had 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals.

ASA College led 43-28 at halftime and dominated much of the second half before the Express made a late run. They started the second half on a 14-2 run and led the Express by as many as 29 with 8:03 remaining.

Emma-Jean Ricketts finished with 11 points (all in the first half), while Jordyn Bond nearly had her second consecutive double-double. The freshman had eight points, 10 rebounds, three steals and one assist.

Despite getting outrebounded 63-41, the Express held a 30-26 advantage in paint points and a 27-13 advantage in bench points. The major differences in the game were turnovers (the Express committed 27), offensive rebounds (25-5 in favor of ASA College), second chance points (17-6 in favor of ASA College) and points off turnovers (19-13 in favor of ASA College).

ASA College, who has now won seven straight, improved to 7-1 this year, while the Express dropped to 9-4 overall.

The Express will take on Central Wyoming College in the finale of the Palm Beach Classic tomorrow at 4 p.m.