Bond's All-Around Effort Helps Express Women Avoid Upset, Defeat Kellogg 69-62

By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Battle Creek, MI---Jordyn Bond had a double-double, while Emma-Jean Ricketts poured in 23 points as the Express women's basketball team survived an upset bid to defeat Kellogg Community College 69-62 on the road today.

Bond's last second lay-up in the first half gave the Express a two point lead at 33-31 heading into the break. She had nine points at the break, while Ricketts had 10. As a team, the Express were outrebounded 20-15 in the half.

In the second half, the Express picked up their defensive pressure and Bond was a big part of that. In that half alone, she totaled seven points, 11 rebounds (five offensive), four assists and two steals. Additionally, she had a great behind-the-back dribble to avoid contact for a fast break lay-in midway through the half.

Despite an 0-for-12 performance from 3-point range in the second half, the Express picked up their efforts on the boards as they outrebounded Kellogg 28-19 in the half.

That helped the Express outscore the Bruins 28-14 in points off turnovers and 13-7 in second chance points.

Bond  finished the game with 16 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and five steals. The latter three totals were team-highs, while she was second on the team in scoring. She also added one block.

Ricketts led the team with 23 points, and she added six rebounds, three steals, one assist and one block. She finished 9-for-10 from the foul line.

Overall, the Express attempted a season-high 34 foul shots as a team, which helped lead to a season-high in free throws made with 25.

Breonna House was the third Express player in double figures with 11 points - off the bench. She added two assists.

Mackenzie Heacock tied her season-high in rebounds with seven, while adding eight points.

Karahn Scott, who battled foul trouble most of the second half, finished with eight points and six rebounds. She was a huge factor early on in the game as she got to the foul line as the Express struggled offensively.

The Express (12-5) will now have almost two weeks off before opening OCCAC action against Sinclair Community College on Jan. 12 at home in the SHAC beginning at 1 p.m.

Notes

Ricketts now has 670 career points and sits in 19th place on the career scoring list for Owens women's basketball. She passed five players on the list today including Michelle Vorst (648, 2002-03), Sparkle Williams (654, 2000-02), Brittany Darling (654, 2008-10), Tia Simms (659, 2005-07) and Becky Knannlein (668, 1992-95).

Next up on the list are Sarah Clark (689), Jeanne Bockey (692) and Janice Butzin (697). Only 15 players have acheived 700 or more career points.