MCPHERSON, Kan. – The Ottawa University men's basketball team fell in overtime, 106-98, to McPherson at the Sport Center on Monday night.

The 3-pt field goals flew about the Sport Center in the first half on Monday night. A total of 26 threes were shot by the two teams combined.

Behind that hot free 3-pt shooting, the Bulldogs had a 33-23 lead at the 7:47 mark leading to a Brave timeout. Ottawa chipped away at the Bulldog lead and after a 3-pt field goal by Ty Bland, OU was within 36-32.

The Bulldogs responded with a mini 7-2 run to take a 43-34 lead over the Braves with 2:28 left in the half. Ottawa continued to whittle away at McPherson's lead and with four seconds on the clock, Deondre Buggage connect on a jumper to put OU within 45-42. The Braves came away with the defensive stop and McPherson had a 45-42 lead at the half.

The Braves cut the Bulldog lead to one three times in the first four minutes of the second half. Ottawa final got over the hump and took its first lead of the second half at the 13:34 on a free throw by Amil Fields.

The teams exchanged baskets at the 12:05 mark, a 3-pt play by Field tied the game at 64 all. Ottawa then went on a 7-0 run, taking a 71-64 lead over McPherson. The Bulldogs cut OU's lead to one point, 71-70, at the 9:15 mark.

Ottawa answered by extending its lead and took a 77-72 lead over McPherson after two Ian Moore free throws with 7:06 left in regulation. McPherson again rallied and cut OU's lead to 80-79. Ottawa responded by scoring the next eight points, taking an 88-79 lead on two Moore free throws at the 2:33 mark in the second half.

McPherson did not go away, ending regulation on a 9-0 run to send the game into overtime, 86-86.

The Braves scored first in the overtime period, taking a 90-88 lead on two Elijah Mason free throws. McPherson answered by scoring the next eight points to take a 96-90 lead over the Braves. A basket by Moore cut the deficit to 96-92 but the Bulldogs connected on a 3-pt field goal on its next offensive trip down the floor, taking a 99-92 lead with 1:12 left on the clock.

OU was not able to make a final run in the last minute of the overtime period as McPherson took the 106-98 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 54.4 percent from the floor, 42.9 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 70.6 percent from the free throw line.
• The Braves had four players in double figures led by Ty Bland and Ian Moore with 22 points apiece.
• Deondre Buggage scored 19 points and Tristen Hull finished with 11 points.

Who is Next
Ottawa (9-11, 6-8) returns to the hardwood on Thursday, Jan. 26 against Bethany College in Wilson Field House. Game time is set for 8:00 p.m.