YORK, Neb. – The Ottawa University women's basketball team defeated York University 74-70 on Monday night at the Freeman Center.
Ottawa raced out to the 14-5 lead over York in the opening minutes of the first quarter. The Panthers answered by ending the quarter on an 11-2 run and OU led 16-14 at the start of the second.
YU opened the second with a three to take its first lead of the game, 17-16, with 8:49 left in the half. Ottawa answered with an 11-2 run and led 28-19 after a 3-pt field goal by
Jayla Johnson.
York chipped away at the OU lead and was within three points, 28-25, at the 2:36 mark. The Braves ended the half on a run, outscoring the Panthers 10-2 to take a 38-27 lead into the locker room.
Ottawa increased its lead to 14 points, 49-35, with 4:56 left in the third on a 3-pt field goal by
Alyssa Guzman. York did not go away and continued to cut into OU's lead. The Panthers ended the quarter on a 10-0 run and OU took a 49-45 lead into the fourth.
York scored the first four points of the final quarter of play, tying the game at 49 all. The teams exchanged baskets and with 7:08 on the clock, the game was tied 59-59. A 3-pt play by
Alyssa Guzman gave OU a 62-59 lead and free throws by
Cierra Brown and
Nicole Brown pushed the Brave lead to 64-59.
Ottawa increased its lead to eight points, 69-61, on a basket by
Nicole Brown and a free throw from
Cierra Brown. York did not wilt, cutting the Brave lead to 71-70 with 15 seconds on the clock. The Panthers fouled, sending
Cierra Brown to the line. She made one of two free throws, giving the Braves a 72-70 lead with 13 seconds on the clock.
The Braves came away with a defensive stop and Guzman was fouled. She made both free throws to give OU a 74-70 lead with nine seconds on the clock. Ottawa held the Panther without a shot in the final seconds of the game and OU took the 74-70 victory.
Inside the Box Score
- Ottawa shot 47.5 percent from the floor, 29.2 percent from the 3-pt line, and 60 percent from the free throw line.
- Nicole Brown recorded a double-double, finishing with 19 points and 15 rebounds.
- Cierra Brown led OU in scoring with 21 points.
- Hailey Henry and Alyssa Guzman finished the game with 10 points apiece.
- Maria Moore led OU with four assists.
Who is Next
Ottawa (15-10, 11-8) is back on the road on Wednesday, Feb. 8 in Kansas City, Mo. against Avila University in Mabee Field House. Game time is set for 5:00 p.m.
