OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University men's basketball team defeated Baker University, 79-77, on Wednesday night in Wilson Field House. The win was OU's fifth straight over the Wildcats.

Ottawa opened the game with the early lead. A 3-pt field goal by Ricardo Zambrano gave the Braves a six point advantage, 15-9. OU built its lead to double digits, increasing it to 15 points, 31-16 on a 3-pt field goal by Deondre Buggage with 8:49 to go in the first half.

Baker cut into the Brave lead and was within 38-29 with 3:17 on the clock. After a defensive stop by the Braves, Ottawa increased its lead back to double digits on a Kamren Woods jumper, 40-29, at the three minute mark.

The Braves struggled to score in the final minutes of the first half with Baker switching over to a zone.  Baker scored the final five points of the half, getting within six points and OU took a 40-34 lead into the locker room.

Ottawa's cold shooting continued into the second half, but ended at the 18:07 mark when a Buggage jumper gave the Braves a 42-38 lead. Baker scored the next four points, taking a 44-42 lead. Ottawa tied the game on a Cody Fredrickson basket, 44-44.

OU scored the next four points on baskets by Buggage and Ty Bland to take a 48-44 lead with 14:41 to go in the game. The Braves slowly built their lead back to double digits and had a 61-50 lead over Baker after two Woods free throws.

The Wildcats again cut into OU's lead and were within 63-58 with 8:40 left in regulation. The Braves again answered by pushing its lead back to double figures. A jumper by Elijah Mason gave OU a 74-64 lead with 4:35 on the clock.

Baker again rallied and this time was able to take a 77-76 lead over OU with a little more than 30 seconds on the clock. On OU's next offensive possession, Ian Moore was fouled attacking the basket. He made both free throws to give the Braves a 78-77 lead with 14 seconds left in regulation.

Ottawa forced a Baker turnover with 11 seconds on the clock and Moore was fouled again. He made one of two free throws to give OU a 79-77 lead. Baker pushed the ball up the floor and attempted a shot, it was short. Buggage snagged the rebound and OU took the 79-77 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 42.6 percent from the floor, 27.6 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 68.4 percent from the free throw line.
• OU had four players in double figures led by Deondre Buggage's 21 points. Ty Bland came off the bench to score 14 points, Ian Moore finished the game with 13 points, and Amil Fields scored 12 points.
• Cody Fredrickson and Fields led OU with six rebounds apiece.
• Fredrickson led the Braves with five assists.
• Fields finished with four steals.

Who is Next
Ottawa (3-2) returns to action on Wednesday, Nov. 16 against York University to open KCAC play in Wilson Field House. Tip off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.