ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Ottawa University women's basketball team won its third straight game, defeating Missouri Baptist University 70-61 at the Petty Sports and Recreation Complex on Tuesday evening.
With the game tied 9-9 at the 5:11 mark in the first quarter, the Braves scored the next six points to take a 15-9 lead over the Spartans on a Tootie Allen layup. MBU cut OU's lead to three points, 15-12 with 1:33 left in the first. Ottawa ended the quarter on a 6-0 run to take a 21-12 lead into the second.
Desiree Marshall-Penny's three at the start of the second quarter increased the OU lead to 24-12. The Spartans chipped away at the Brave lead and with 3:38 left in the first half, it was cut to 28-27. Ottawa scored the next basket on a jumper by Allen, giving OU a 30-27 lead. Missouri Baptist, however, ended the half 6-0 run to take a 33-30 lead into the locker room.
Ottawa started the second half by scoring the first seven points and led 37-33 on a basket by
Nayeli Acosta. Missouri Baptist cut OU's lead to two points but the Braves responded by ending the their quarter on a 14-6 run, taking a 51-41 lead into the fourth quarter.
Alatini's three 14 seconds into the final quarter of play gave OU a 54-41 lead. The Spartans did not go away and with 1:33 on the clock, cut the Brave lead to 63-58. A 3-pt play by
Kennedy Bankett gave the Braves a 66-58 lead over MBU.
With 28 seconds left in the game, Missouri Baptist fouled. Ottawa was 1-for-4 from the free throw line in the next 11 seconds but the Braves were able to get the offensive rebound off the missed free throws, keeping the ball away from the Spartans. Missouri Baptist rebounded the ball with 17 seconds on the clock but the OU defense did not allow the Spartans a good look at the basket as OU took the 70-61 victory.
Inside the Box Score
- Ottawa shot 43.3 percent from the floor, 31.8 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 68.8 percent from the free throw line.
- Three Braves were in double figures, led by Jayla Johnson's 15 points off the bench.
- Tootie Allen came off the bench to score 12 points and Katelyn Alatini scored 11 points.
- Abby Dietsche led OU in assists with three. She had two blocks.
- Desiree Marshall-Penny finished the game with three steals.
Who is Next
Ottawa (7-4) plays its last game of 2023 on Thursday in Wilson Field House in a non-conference contest against Manhattan Christian College. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m.
