BARTLESVILLE, Okla. – It took two extra periods, but the Ottawa University women's basketball team defeated Oklahoma Wesleyan University, 73-68 in double overtime on Saturday night.

Oklahoma Wesleyan scored the first 10 points of the game to take the early lead over the Braves. A 19-11 run by OU cut into the deficit and OKWU had a 21-19 lead at the start of the second.

The Eagles increased their lead to six points, 27-21, over the Braves with 7:03 to go in the half. OU chipped away at the deficit and after a 3-pt field goal by Abby Dietsche, Ottawa was within 34-30. OKWU, however, was able to score the final two points of the half, taking a 36-30 lead into the locker room.

In the third quarter, Ottawa's defense held Oklahoma Wesleyan to two points. Two straight 3-pt field goals by Katelyn Alatini put OU within 38-36 at the 4:29 mark in the third quarter.

Tootie Allen's layup tied the game at 38 all and Ottawa had its first lead of the game, 40-38, on a Dietsche basket with 39 seconds on the clock. OKWU had two looks at the basket to tie the game in the final seconds of the third, but Ottawa held, and the Braves took a 40-38 lead into the fourth.

Another 3-pt field goal by Alatini in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter increased OU's lead to 43-38. Ottawa pushed its lead to seven points, 51-44, on an Allen 3-pt field goal with 5:53 left in regulation. The Eagles did not go away and rallied, ending regulation on a 13-6 run to send the game into overtime tied, 57-57.

Oklahoma Wesleyan scored the first five points in the first overtime period to take a 62-57 lead. Ottawa cut into the OKWU lead and after a 3-pt play by Allen, Ottawa was within 62-60. The Eagles scored the next basket, taking a 64-60 lead with 1:50 on the clock.

Ottawa answered with four straight points, baskets by Hailey Henry and Allen, to tie the game at 64 all at the 1:05 mark in the first overtime period. OKWU's shot attempt in the final seconds of overtime number one was blocked by Janiyah Hendricks and Dietsche's game winning 3-pt field goal attempt was no good, sending the contest into a second overtime period.  

OU took a lead in overtime number two on a free throw by Allen, 65-64, with 4:41 on the clock. That is where the score stayed until the 2:18 mark when the Eagles scored four straight points to take a 67-65 lead.

That lead did not last long. A 3-pt field goal with 1:23 on the clock by Dietsche gave the Braves a 68-67 lead. Alatini then stole the ball and was fouled. She made one of two free throws to give OU a 69-67 lead with 1:06 left in the game.

Another defensive stop by the Braves and a foul by the Eagles sent Jayla Johnson to the free throw line. She missed both free throw attempts but on her second miss, Alatini was there for the put back, giving OU a 71-67 lead with 18 second on the clock.

Ottawa came away with another defensive stop and Alatini was fouled with 12 seconds on the clock. She made one of two free throws to give the Braves a 72-67 lead. OKWU was fouled on its next trip down the floor. Ty'Najah Mitchell made one of two free throws to cut OU's lead to 72-68. Dietsche claimed the rebound on the second free throw attempt and was fouled. She made one of two free throws with one second on the clock, giving the Braves the 73-68 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 37.7 percent from the floor, 37 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 40.6 percent from the free throw line.
• Katelyn Alatini scored 17 points and had three steals.
• Abby Dietsche finished the game with a double-double, 16 points and 10 rebounds. She also had five blocks and two steals.
• Tootie Allen scored 16 points and Janiyah Hendricks finished the game with 10 points. Hendricks had five steals.
• Hailey Henry had 10 rebounds and nine points.

Who is Next
Ottawa (3-2) will play non-conference opponent, Haskell Indian Nations University on Monday, Nov. 20 in Wilson Field House. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.