Commodore Comeback Effort Comes Up Short Vs. Owens Express

January 29, 2025 - - In a high-scoring, back-and-forth matchup, the Lorain County Community College men's basketball team came up just short against Owens Community College, falling 106-99 on Wednesday night. Despite a strong second-half push, the Commodores couldn't overcome the Express, who capitalized on key runs down the stretch to seal the victory.

LCCC (1-23, 1-10) found itself in a competitive battle for most of the game.  They then got down by 10 points in the first five minutes but battled back to keep pace with Owens.

Just before the buzzer, Lorain County guard Corey Jones Jr. (Lorain, Ohio/Clearview HS) drilled a three-pointer off a feed from Rashaud Finley (Cleveland, Ohio/Bard HS), trimming the deficit to 51-41 heading into the break.

The Express extended their lead to 12 with 12:30 left in the game, threatening to pull away. However, Lorain County responded in a big way, orchestrating an 8-0 run over the next two minutes. Deonte Benejan (Queens, N.Y./Lorain HS) and Kayden Thomas (Lorain, Ohio/Lorain HS) ignited the rally with a series of clutch baskets, cutting the deficit to single digits.

Thomas was a force inside throughout the game, recording a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds while also adding a steal and a block.

The Commodores got as close as they would when Benejan secured a defensive rebound and delivered a cross-court pass to Dennis Pettis Jr. (Lorain, Ohio/Lorain HS), who finished through contact for a tough layup. Pettis completed the and-1 opportunity at the free-throw line, bringing the Commodores within just one point at 72-71, shifting momentum in their favor.

Despite Lorain County's strong second half, Owens (10-12, 6-4) responded with an 8-2 run late in the game, rebuilding its lead to double digits. The Commodores struggled to find key stops down the stretch, and the Express made them pay with timely shooting and second-chance points.

Pettis Jr. led the way for the Commodores with 26 points on 7-of-15 shooting, including 10-of-14 from the free-throw line. He also added five rebounds and three assists. Benejan had a strong scoring performance, contributing 24 points while shooting an efficient 10-of-16 from the field.

Julius Moon (Lorain, Ohio/Open Door Christian HS) provided perimeter shooting with five three-pointers, finishing with 15 points.

Next Up:

The Commodores will stay on the road this weekend as they travel to Hocking College on Saturday, February 1, 2025, for another OCCAC matchup. Tip-off is at 1 p.m.