OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University men's basketball team was defeated 72-55 by Bethany College in Wilson Field House on Thursday evening.

Ottawa scored the first six points of the first half on baskets by Tristen Hull, Elijah Mason, and Ian Moore. A 3-pt field goal by Ricardo Zambrano gave the Braves an 11-4 lead over Bethany with 13:27 on the clock.

The Swedes picked up the scoring and went on a run, 23-10, to take a 27-21 lead with 2:57 left in the half. A Moore 3-pt field goal cut the deficit to three points, 27-24. Bethany answered by scoring the next six points, increasing its lead to 31-24.

The Braves were able to cut into the Bethany lead in the final seconds of the half. Ty Bland converted a 3-pt play and Ottawa trailed 31-27 at the half.

Bethany opened the second half on a 10-0 run, taking a 41-27 lead over the Braves. Ottawa chipped away at the Swede lead and after a basket by Hull, the Braves were within three points, 53-50, at the 7:22 mark.

Ottawa was not able to complete the comeback. Bethany ended the game on a 19-5 run to take the 72-55 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 31.9 percent from the floor, 30 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 33.3 percent from the free throw line.
• Ian Moore led the Braves with 13 points.
• Ty Bland led the Braves with eight rebounds.
• Deondre Buggage finished with five assists.

Who is Next
Ottawa (9-12, 6-9) is back on the road on Saturday, Jan. 28 against Bethel College in North Newton, Kan. Game time is set for 5:00 p.m.