BARTLESVILLE, Okla. – The Ottawa University men's basketball team fell 59-55 to no. 7 Oklahoma Wesleyan University at the Mueller Sport Center on Saturday evening.

OKWU jumped out to the early 12-4 lead over the Braves. Ottawa chipped away at the Eagle lead and after a 3-pt field goal by Kamren Woods, Ottawa led 22-21. The teams exchanged points and with 2:42 on the clock, a Woods free throw gave OU a 26-25 lead.

In the next 1:25, the Eagles went on 7-2 run to take a 32-28 lead. Ottawa cut into the lead with a basket by Jayden Hibbitt and a 3-pt field goal from Deondre Buggage, 32-31. OKWU, however, was able to score a three in the final seconds of the half and the Eagles took a 35-31 lead into the locker room.  

A 3-pt field goal by Buggage gave the Braves a 39-38 lead over OKWU at the 13:22 mark in the second half. The Eagles scored the next six points to retake the lead, 44-39. Ottawa answered with a 3-pt field goal from Woods and two Amil Fields free throws to tie the game at 44 all.

The Eagles retook the lead, 46-44, at the 9:46 mark. Ottawa responded with a basket by Hibbitt and a free throw from Buggage to take a 47-46 lead. The lead exchanged hands and with 3:37 on the clock, Ottawa led 53-52 after two free throws by Woods.

OKWU put together a 6-0 run to retake the lead, 58-53 at the 2:27 mark in the second half. Free throws by Hibbitt cut the deficit to 58-55 with 1:41 left in the second half.  OU came away with the defensive stop and was fouled. The free throw was missed but Buggage rebounded the ball with 1:11 on the clock.

Ottawa, however, turned the ball over and OKWU had the ball with 1:06 left in regulation. The Braves got the stop with a steal by Hibbitt. Buggage's 3-pt field goal attempt with 19 seconds on the clock was no good and OKWU rebounded the ball.

OU was forced to foul, sending Kaleb Stokes to the line with 10 seconds on the clock. He made one of two free throws, giving OKWU a 59-55 lead. The Eagles fouled Woods right away. He missed both free throws and OKWU took the 59-55 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 36.7 percent from the floor, 34.8 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 68.8 percent from the free throw line.
• Deondre Buggage led the Braves in scoring with 17 points and rebounds with six.
• Kamren Woods finished the game with 15 points and Jayden Hibbitt scored 10 points. He also had three steals.
• Angok Anyang had three assists and three blocks.

Who is next
Ottawa (4-3) will return to the court on Tuesday, Nov. 21 in an exhibition contest against NCAA Division II opponent, Washburn University. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.