SEWARD, Neb. – The Ottawa University men's basketball team fell 86-82 to (RV) Concordia University on Saturday afternoon at Friedrich Arena. Elijah Mason was named to the All-Cattle Classic Basketball Team.

The first half went back and forth with the Braves taking a 24-22 lead over Concordia on a 3-pt field goal by Elijah Mason with 8:25 on the clock. A jumper by Kamren Woods gave OU a 26-22 lead. Ottawa continued to hold its lead, increasing it to six points, 33-27 on a 3-pt field goal by Deondre Buggage at the 5:45 mark in the first half.

Concordia scored the next five points, cutting the Brave lead to 33-32. Ottawa answered with four straight points by Amil Fields, taking a 37-32 lead with 3:52 left in the first half. The Bulldogs again cut into the OU lead and was within one point, 39-38. A 3-pt play by Woods gave OU a four point lead, 42-38.

Two Mason free throws gave the Braves a six point lead, 44-38, at the 1:25 mark. Concordia cut OU's lead to 44-40 with 32 seconds left in the half. On the Braves next trip down the floor, Fields was fouled with 25 second on the clock. He made both of his free throws to give OU a 46-40 lead. The Bulldogs were fouled 10 seconds later and made both of their free throw attempts to cut OU's lead to 46-42. Buggage's 3-pt field goal attempt with four seconds on the clock was no good and the Braves took a 46-42 lead into the locker room.

In the first 2:15 of the second half, Concordia tied the game at 51 all. Ottawa responded with four straight points on lay ups by Ty Bland and Ian Moore, 55-51. The teams exchanged baskets and after a Mason jumper, OU had a 61-57 lead with 10:53 left in regulation.

The Braves pushed their lead to seven points, 69-62, on two free throws from Cody Fredrickson and a layup by Bland. Concordia rallied again, going on a 11-2 run to take a 73-71 over the Braves with 4:09 left in the game. Ottawa quickly tied the game on a 3-pt play by Moore, 74-73. Concordia retook the lead on a three to take a 76-74 lead.

OU retook the lead on jumper by Mason and then took the lead on a steal and layup by Mason, 78-67 with 2:48 on the clock. The Bulldogs then started getting to the free throw line, scoring their next three points from the charity stripe to take a 79-78 lead over the Braves with 1:25 left in the game.

Ottawa had two looks at the basket on its next offensive possession but were not able to convert. Concordia scored a three to take an 82-78 lead with 37 seconds on the clock. Buggage attacked the basket, hitting a jumper in the paint to get OU within 82-80. After a time out, OU fouled and sent the Bulldogs to the free throw line. CU's Noah Schutte made both of his free throws to give the Bulldogs an 84-80 lead with 14 seconds left in regulation.

OU raced the ball up the floor and Bland scored with five seconds on the clock to cut the deficit to 84-82. The Braves fouled, sending Schutte to the line once again. He made both free throws with three seconds left in the game, giving Concordia an 86-82 lead. The Braves were not able to extend the game in its final offensive possession of the game and Concordia took the 86-82 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 46 percent from the floor, 19 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 87 percent from the free throw line.
• OU had five players in double figures, led by Elijah Mason's 17 points.
• Deondre Buggage finished with 15 points, Ty Bland scored 14 points, and Ian Moore and Kamren Woods scored 10 points apiece.
• Woods led OU with seven rebounds.
• Bland finished the game with three steals.

Who is Next
Ottawa (2-2) will host Baker University in Wilson Field House on Wednesday, Nov. 9. Tip off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.