YORK, Neb. – The Ottawa University men's basketball team fell 109-105 to York University at the Freeman Center on Monday night.

Ottawa had an early 10-7 lead over York in the opening minutes of the first half after a basket by Ty Bland. The Panthers scored seven straight points, taking a 14-10 lead over the Braves.
York extended its lead over Ottawa to eight points, 22-14, at the 12:10 mark in the first half. The Braves cut the deficit to three points, 22-19, on a 3-pt field goal by Deondre Buggage.

The Panthers continued to hold its lead over the Braves and with 4:10 left in the half, led 42-34. Ottawa responded with a 10-3 run, cutting the deficit to one point, 42-41 on a 3-pt basket by Amil Fields at the 1:08 mark.

Ottawa was not able to come away with the defensive stop and York scored the final two points of the half on free throws, taking a 47-44 lead into the locker room.

In the first four minutes of the second half, the Panthers were able to extend its lead to 12 points, 61-49. Ottawa rallied and after a basket by Kamren Woods, Ottawa had a 75-74 lead over York with 8:59 left in regulation.

That lead did not last long. York retook the lead 18 seconds later and increased it to six points, 87-81. The Braves continued to cut into the Panther lead and with 2:49 on the clock, Ian Moore's three put the Braves within one point, 92-91.

York answered by scoring seven straight points, increasing its lead to 99-91. Ottawa continued to battle and cut the Panther lead to two points, 107-105 with eight seconds left in the game. OU fouled, trying to extend the game but York made both free throws to extend its lead to 109-105.

The Braves were not able to complete its comeback in the final seconds of the contest and York took the 109-105 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 50 percent from the floor, 50 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 81.8 percent from the free throw line.
• Ty Bland led OU with a double-double. He had 24 points and 14 rebounds. Bland also led the Braves with five assists and two steals.
• Amil Fields scored 17 points, Ian Moore and Elijah Mason finished with 13 points apiece, Kamren Woods scored 12 points, and Tristen Hull finished the game with 10 points.

Who is Next
Ottawa (11-14, 8-11) returns to the hardwood with a trip to Kansas City, Mo. to play Avila University on Wednesday, Feb. 8 in Mabee Field House. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.