OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University men's basketball team defeated Friends University, 88-82, in Wilson Field House on Wednesday night. The win is OU's fifth straight against the Falcons.

Friends started the game 4-for-5 from the floor, taking an 11-2 lead over the Braves. After an OU time out, the Braves responded with a 15-3 run and took a 17-14 lead on a 3-pt field goal by Ian Moore with 9:11 left in the half.

The Falcons answered with its second run of the half, this one 23-10, and led 37-27 with 2:20 on the clock. Ottawa again chipped away at the Falcon lead and after a basket by Kamren Woods, Ottawa was within three points at the half, 39-36.

Friends held its lead in the second half until the 8:15 mark. Elijah Mason's two free throws gave the Braves a 64-62 lead. Baskets by Moore and Mason increased the OU lead to 75-67 with 4:15 left in the game.

The Falcons did not wilt and cut OU's lead to 82-78 with 47 seconds on the clock. Friends was forced to foul, sending OU to the free throw line. The Braves connected on their free throws, taking the 88-82 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 53.6 percent from the floor, 42.1 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 71.4 percent from the free throw line.
• OU had five players in double figures led by Ian Moore's 25 points.
• Ty Bland had a double-double, 10 points and 14 rebounds. Elijah Mason scored 14 points, Tristen Hull finished with 11 points, and Kamren Woods scored 10 points.

Who is Next
Ottawa (11-12, 8-9) is back in action on Saturday, Feb. 4 against no. 13 Kansas Wesleyan University in Wilson Field House. Tip off is scheduled for 5pm.