OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University women's basketball team defeated Southwestern 78-70 in Wilson Field House on Saturday afternoon. The win was OU's eighth straight over the Moundbuilers in Wilson Field House.

The Braves raced out to a 15-4 lead over Southwestern in the first quarter. SWC cut OU's lead to seven points, 17-10, with 4:06 left in the quarter. The Braves answered by ending the quarter on a 9-2 run, taking a 26-12 lead into the second.

In the second quarter, Ottawa continued to build upon its lead. A basket by Desiree Marshall-Penny gave OU a 39-18 at the 5:33 mark in the second quarter. 

The Moundbuilders cut OU's lead to 16 points, 39-23, but the Braves finished the half by outscoring Southwestern 9-5 to take a 48-28 lead into the locker room.

In the third quarter, Southwestern cut into the Brave lead and were within 57-48 with 2:59 remaining in the quarter. A 3-pt field goal by Tiyani Rollins pushed OU's lead back to double figures, 60-48. SWC's basket with 1:16 left in the quarter cut OU's lead to 10 points, 60-50. But OU would score the final points of the quarter, two Bankett free throws, to take a 62-50 lead into the fourth.

Baskets by Bankett and Marshall-Penny gave OU a 69-54 lead at the start of the final quarter of play. Southwestern answered with a 14-5 run, cutting the Brave lead to 74-70 with 1:38 left in regulation.

After a defensive stop by the Braves, Bankett was fouled. She made both free throws to give OU a 76-70 lead. The Brave defense came up with another stop and the Moundbuilders fouled Tootie Allen. She made both free throws and the Braves took the 78-70 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 40 percent from the floor, 29.6 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 87.5 from the free throw line.
• OU had three players in double figures led by Kennedy Bankett's 26 points on 9-for-14 shooting from the floor. She had eight rebounds.
• Desiree Marshall-Penny and Sydney Scott scored 14 points apiece.
• Tootie Allen led OU in rebounding with 11 and Marshall-Penny finished the game with four assists.
• Hailey Henry had three steals.

Who is Next
Ottawa (10-6, 5-5) returns to the court on Wednesday, Jan. in Hillsboro, Kan. against Tabor College. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m.