The Braves had their longest winning streak in six years snapped on Monday night in Lindsborg with a 71-54 loss to Bethany College in Hahn Gymnasium. 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.
Ottawa is 4-0 at home this season, scoring 81 points per game while holding opponents to 51.5 points per game. OU is shooting 44.9 percent from the floor 36.4 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 80 percent from the free throw line. In Wilson Field House, opponents are shooting 28.9 percent from the floor, 18.2 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 63.3 percent from the free throw line.
OU has five players averaging double figures at home this season. Nicole Brow is scoring 14.5 points,
Ahoneste Walker 13 points,
Cierra Brown and
Jayla Johnson are both scoring 11.5 points apiece, and
Hailey Henry is averaging 10.8 points per game in Wilson Field House.
Through nine games this season, Ottawa is averaging 74.6 points per game, 43.9 rebounds per game, and 12.2 assists per game. OU is shooting 44.9 percent from the floor, 34.7 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 76.1 percent from the free throw line.
Ottawa is ranked 18th in the NAIA in total points (671), 29th in field goal percentage (.449), 38th in 3-pt field goal percentage (.347), 34th in free throws made per game (15.6), 18th in free throw percentage (.761), 10th in defensive rebounds per game (32.7), 38th in total rebounds per game (43.9), 43rd in rebound margin (7.6), 40th in personal fouls per game (15), 40th in points allowed per game (58.2), 12th in opponent field goal percentage (.323), and 40th in opponent 3-pt field goal percentage (.244).
Nicole Brown leads the Braves in scoring (14.5) and rebounds (11.5).
Ahoneste Walker is OU's leader in assists (2.1),
Hailey Henry leads Ottawa in blocks (1) per game, and Henry and
Cierra Brown lead the team in steals (1.1) per game.
Thursday's contest is the 82nd meeting between Ottawa University and Bethel College. Ottawa leads the series, 49-32 but is 1-4 in its last five games against the Threshers. The Braves are 7-3 against Bethel in the last 10 games in North Newton. The Threshers have won the last three meetings in Threshers Stadium.
The teams split the season series last year, winning on their home floors. Ottawa defeated Bethel 72-51 on Dec. 4 in Wilson Field House. Bethel took a 71-54 victory over the Braves in Thresher Gymnasium on Jan. 29.
The first meeting between the two teams took place on Dec. 12, 1980. Bethel won the game 79-37.
Bethel College is 2-6 overall and 1-3 in the KCAC. The Threshers are 2-3 on the road this season and are 1-4 in their last five games. BC enters Thursday's game coming off a 74-68 loss to Oklahoma Wesleyan on Monday evening in North Newton.
In the loss to OKWU on Monday night, Bethel had a 34-27 lead at the half over the Eagles. OKWU outscored Bethel 47-34 to take the 74-68 victory. The Threshers shot 45.9 percent from the floor, 23.5 percent from the 3-pt line, and 66.7 percent from the free throw line. Jasmine Peete came off the bench to finish the game with a double-double, 23 points and 12 rebounds. Jaycee Freshour scored 12 points and Carley Robb finished the game with 10 points.
Through eight games, Bethel is averaging 61.9 points, 33 rebounds, and 11 assists per game. They are shooting 36.1 percent from the floor, 26.4 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 59.4 percent from the free throw line.
Bethel is ranked 20th in the NAIA in steals (12.9).
Jasmine Peete leads Bethel in scoring (12.1) and rebounding (8.4). Brianna Clark leads the team in assists per game (2.9), Jaycee Freshour is BC's leader in blocks (0.9), and Freshour and Josie Stupey lead the team in steals (1.9) per game.
