LINDSBORG, Kan. – The Ottawa University women's basketball team suffered its first conference loss of the season, falling 71-54 to Bethany College in Hahn Gymnasium on Monday night.

Both teams struggled to score in the first quarter. With seven minutes on the clock, Bethany had a 6-5 lead over the Braves. The Swedes scored four straight points and led 10-5 with 3:36 on the clock.
Ottawa scored the next four points, cutting the deficit to 10-9 on an Ahoneste Walker layup. OU was not able to get corral the defensive rebound on Bethany's next offensive possession and the Swedes scored on a put back, taking a 12-9 lead into the second quarter.

OU stayed within striking distance of Bethany and after a 3-pt field by Jayla Johnson, Ottawa was within 16-14 with 5:30 left in the half. The Swedes responded by finishing the half on a 17-5 run to take a 33-19 lead into the locker room.

Bethany scored the first five points of the second half to increase their lead to 38-19. Ottawa was not able to rally and the Swedes took the 71-54 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 37.8 percent from the floor, 23.1 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 58.6 percent from the free throw line.
• OU had three players in double figures led by Nicole Brown's 13 points on 5-for-8 shooting from the floor. Jayla Johnson and Cierra Brown had 10 points apiece.
• Cierra Brown led OU with eight rebounds and three assists.
• Ahoneste Walker had four steals and Hailey Henry finished with three.

Who is Next
Ottawa (6-3, 3-1) will return to Wilson Field House on Dec. 1 to play Bethel College. Game time is set for 5:00 p.m.