Avenge only loss of season, with 108-88 win at home

Hackettstown, N.J. (Monday, January 13, 2013) – The Jersey Express got back on track, with a 108-88 win over the Staten Island Vipers Saturday.  The Express are now 3-1 on the season, with the only loss coming at the hands of their division rival.  The Express got off to a quick start, led by forward Charles Smith, who had his 1^st start of the season, by knocking down a jump shot, finding his teammate for an assist, and grabbing 3 rebounds.  A sweet alley-oop from point guard Jason Smith to center Almin Hodzic capped the quick start that came in the first 2 minutes of the game, when the Express took a 7-0 lead. 

Head Coach Ray Ortiz took over the reins, less than two weeks ago, and decided to shake things up a bit, by changing the line-up.  Point guard Jason Smith led the charge, controlling the offense, and making sure everyone got involved in the action.  Center Almin Hodzic & Charles Smith ended the 1^st with 7pts each, and the Express took a 28-19 lead. Staten Island was led by Kareem Collins with 11 in the qtr.

The 2^nd quarter was fairly evenly played, with William McDonough led the Express with 6, and Lewis Monaco paced the Vipers with 6.  Guard Bobby Lee collided with teammate McDonough, jumping for a loose ball, and caught an elbow to the head, which resulted in him being removed, for precaution for the game.  Defense was the key for both teams, the Express being held to 23 & the Vipers 22.  At the half, the Express held the lead 51-41.

Jason Smith came out strong in the 3rd qtr, dishing and swishing for 7pts & 3 assists, and Charles Smith continued his monster game, by grabbing 5rbds & 6pts in the qtr.  Teshawn Byron scored 7 for the Vipers.  The Express lead grew to 78-64.

The 4^th qtr started with Express guard Ja’Shon Mixon knocking down a quick 3, followed by Staten Island’s Brendon Lyn matching it with his own.  Webb found Mixon for another 3, that ignited the crowd, when the Vipers turned the ball over, Hodzic was the recipient of an assist, and was fouled on the play, for a conventional 3pt play.  The back-court of Jason Smith, and Ed Torres helped push the lead to as much as 22.  Mixon knocked down another 3, and Michael Edghill 3-D score, capped an explosive 4^th quarter. 

The final score of 108-88 doesn’t fully tell the story of 5 Express players scoring in double figures, with 11 of 12 players contributing to the scoring total.  Ja’Shon Mixon had 20, and Jason Smith finished with 16pts & 4asts.  Charles Smith ended the night with a double-double with 13pts & 15rbds.  Teyshawn Byron led Staten Island with 18.

Please join us on Sunday, January 20^th @ 3pm, for Throwback Day at the game.  We’ll be wearing our alternate Newark Express Jerseys, honoring where it all began…Newark!  Wear Your Newark Gear, and receive $5 admission.  Pre-purchase tickets here: http://jerseyvsnyc.eventbrite.com/?ref=ecal#.

For the remainder of the season, the Express are offering all seniors, students, and kids, $5 admission.  All Centenary college students will continue to get into the game at 2 for 1, $5 admission.  General admission is ONLY $10.  The Jersey Express is offering Sponsorship Opportunities to fit ANY budget. For more information on how you can become a sponsor email info@jerseyexpress.net.   http://jerseyvsnyc.eventbrite.com/?ref=ecal#

 For more information on the Jersey Express, please log onto www.jerseyexpress.net. Join our Jersey Express Professional Basketball ‘Official’ Fan Page on Face Book, or follow us on Twitter @jerseyexpress.  For information on the ABA, click here: www.ABAlive.com.     http://www.youtube.com/user/jerseyexpressbasketb?feature=mhee