By Amanda Flowers/Owens Sports Information

With two seconds left in the game against Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Jay Marquette grabbed the offensive rebound and took a shot at the basket.  He was fouled and stepped up to the free throw line with the Express down 72-71.  He sank both baskets and pushed the Express to another win, 73-72.

The win allowed the Express to remain undefeated (3-0) in OCCAC play.

Throughout the game Marquette had 12 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and one steal.

“Jay was unbelievable from the get-go he showed toughness,” said head coach Dave Clarke following the win over Cincinnati State. “Jay is a kid that might not be the most athletic kid, might not be the best shooter, but he is extremely tough. He’s extremely aggressive.”

This season, Marquette averages 3.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and almost one steal per game.

“He is one of our captains,” Clarke said. “He is our captain because he shows that every day.  He’s very consistent.  If you look at the stat sheet you won’t see Jay’s performance stick out to you, but he does show a lot of toughness and a lot of character. Today it was everything.  I had complete confidence that he was going to make the free throws.

Jay is continuing a Marquette tradition at Owens Community College. His father, Greg, played one season of men’s basketball for the Express in 1975-76, while his aunt, Terri, was the first head coach for women’s volleyball and women’s basketball. She began basketball in 1975 and volleyball the following fall.

Additionally, Jay’s grandfather, Leroy “Cot” Marquette was the first athletic director at Owens Community College beginning in 1965. At that time, the college was known as Penta Tech and Cot served as the college’s first men’s basketball coach from 1965-70.