OTTAWA, Kan. – It took overtime but the Ottawa University men's basketball team earned its first KCAC victory of the season. OU scrapped and clawed its way to an 87-85 victory over McPherson College on Tuesday night in Wilson Field House.  Deondre Buggage hit the game winning shot with just a little more than one second on the clock to give the Braves the victory.

McPherson scored the first 10 points of the game to take the early lead. Ottawa responded with a 14-4 run and tied the game on two free throws by Kamren Woods with 10:54 left in the first half. A 3-pt play by Woods gave the Braves their first lead of the game, 17-14.

The Bulldogs retook the lead and had a 24-20 edge over OU with 4:33 on the clock. A 3-pt play by Buggage cut the deficit to 24-23. Back-to-back baskets by Ty Bland gave OU a 27-24 lead. McPherson again rallied, going on an 8-0 run to retake the lead 32-27 with 39 seconds on the clock. Ottawa put together a scoring play on its final offensive possession of the game, a Buggage basket, and the Braves were within 32-29 of McPherson at the half.

MC pushed its lead to 44-37 at the start of the second half. Ottawa cut into the Bulldog lead and after a 3-pt field goal by Bland, the Braves led 58-56 with 10:55 left in regulation. McPherson did not go away and retook the lead, 64-61 at the 7:20 mark.

Ottawa stayed within striking distance and cut the deficit to 66-65 on two free throws by Amil Fields. McPherson scored the next five points to take a 71-65 lead with 4:55 left in regulation. Ottawa responded by scoring six straight points, taking a 72-71 lead on a layup by Fields.

The Bulldogs retook the lead on two free throws, 73-72 with 2:49 on the clock. Ottawa retook the lead 74-73 on a Buggage basket. McPherson took a one point lead, 75-74 at the 1:10 mark. The Braves answered with an Ian Moore basket with 50 seconds on the clock, 76-75.

After a timeout by the Braves, McPherson hit a 3-pt field goal to take a 78-76 lead with 27 seconds left in regulation. After a McPherson timeout, Moore drove to the basket and hit the jumper in the lane to tie the game at 78-78 with 18 seconds on the clock. The Brave defense held in those final 18 seconds and the game went into overtime.

McPherson scored the first three points of the overtime period, taking an 81-78 lead. Ottawa responded by scoring the next six points, highlighted by Bland's four point play, to take an 84-81 lead over the Bulldogs.

MC rallied and tied the game at 85-85 on a basket by Jamil Hardaway. He was fouled but missed the free throw. McPherson then missed the put back and Ottawa had the ball with a little over a minute remaining.

OU was not able to score on its next trip down the floor and McPherson took control of the ball with 47 seconds on the clock. The Bulldogs shot attempt with 24 seconds on the clock was no good, Fields rebounded the ball and OU called timeout.

Buggage took the inbound pass and pushed the ball up the floor. He drove in the lane, kissed the ball off the glass. It when through the net to give OU the 87-85 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 43.2 percent from the floor, 37.5 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 70 percent from the free throw line.
• OU led 38-28 in points in the paint and 33-24 in bench scoring.
• McPherson led 21-12 in fast break points, 15-10 in points off turnovers, and 11-9 in second chance points.
• The Braves had four players in double figures. Ian Moore and Ty Bland finished with 18 points apiece.
• Amil Fields had a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
• Deondre Buggage finished the game with 12 points.

Who is Next
Ottawa (4-4, 1-2) returns to the hardwood in an exhibition game against Washburn University in Topeka, Kan. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.