January 17, 2016

The Lima Express earned their first Midwest Professional Basketball Association victory behind 33 points from Cordaryl Ballard, with a 119-89 effort against the Chicago Blues.

The Express got out to a fast start, as they had in each of their first two games, leading the Blues 24-17 after the first quarter.  They extended the lead to 53-35 heading into the half.

Chicago outscored Lima 30-25 in the third to narrow the gap to 18 points, but a huge 41-point fourth quarter for the Express sealed the game.

Ballard led all scorers with his 33, while dishing out six assists.  James Helton had another big game with 25 points and eight rebounds, while Kyle Meyer scored 16 points and pulled down nine boards.  Guard Johnny Elliott notched a double-double with 14 points and eleven rebounds.

Al Rapier scored 23 points and grabbed twelve rebounds for the Blues (0-2), who played their second game in less than 24 hours.  Chris Elder, Tremell Adams and Ron Patten all scored in double figures for the Blues.

Photo courtesy Dean Brown