SALINA, Kan. – The Ottawa University women's basketball team fell 72-55 to Kansas Wesleyan University in Mabee Arena on Wednesday night.

The first quarter went back and forth. Two Hailey Henry free throws tied the game, 10-10, with 3:11 on the clock. KWU scored the next four points, taking a 14-10 lead over the Braves. A Kennedy Bankett basket put OU within two points, 14-12 at the 2:25 mark in the first quarter.

The Coyotes increased its lead to 17-12. A 3-pt field goal by Bankett cut the deficit to 17-15. Kansas Wesleyan finished the quarter with two free throws, taking a 19-15 lead over the Braves into quarter no. 2.

In the second quarter, KWU pushed its lead to double digits 37-27. Henry's basket with 46 seconds left in the half cut the Coyote lead to 37-29. Kansas Wesleyan scored on its final offensive possession of the half to push its lead back to double figures, 39-29. Jayla Johnson's layup in the final seconds of the half cut the deficit to eight and KWU took a 39-31 lead into the locker room.

In the third quarter, the Coyotes increased its lead back to double digits. KWU led 50-39 with 2:25 on the clock. Ottawa chipped away at the Kansas Wesleyan lead and after baskets by Nicole Brown and Bankett, Ottawa was within 51-45 with 16 seconds on the clock. KWU ran the clock down at the end of the third and scored as time expired, taking a 53-45 lead into the fourth.

A 3-pt field goal by Jordan Bianco and a Brown basket put OU within 53-50 at the start of the final quarter of play. KWU responded with six straight points, taking a 59-50 lead over OU with 5:14 left in regulation. The Braves were not to answer the Coyotes. KWU finished the game on a 13-5 run to take the 72-55 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• The Braves shot 42 percent from the floor, 23.5 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 60 percent from the free throw line.
• OU had two players in double figures, led by Hailey Henry's 14 points on 5-for-9 shooting from the floor. Kennedy Bankett came off the bench to score a season high 13 points. She was 5-for-6 from the floor.
• Maria Moore and Nicole Brown led the Braves with five rebounds apiece.
• Henry also led the Braves with four assists and three blocks.
• Brown had three steals.

Who is Next
Ottawa (7-5, 4-3) returns to Wilson Field House on Saturday, Dec. 10 to play Avila University. Tip off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.