OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University women's basketball team defeated Oklahoma Wesleyan University 69-62 in Wilson Field House on Wednesday night.
The teams exchanged baskets in the opening minutes of the first quarter with OKWU taking a 10-8 lead. Ottawa put together a 9-0 run and led 17-10 on a basket by
Nikole Schnell. The Eagles responded by ending the quarter with a run of their own, 6-1, and Ottawa had an 18-16 lead at the start of the second.
Kennedy Bankett opened the second quarter with a three, giving the Braves a 21-16 lead. Oklahoma Wesleyan scored the next four points, cutting OU's lead to 21-20. Ottawa stretched its lead to seven points, 27-20. OKWU responded with a 9-0 run, taking a 29-27 lead with 3:28 left in the first half.
The Braves finished the quarter strong, holding the Eagles scoreless in the final three minutes and led 36-29 at the half.
Bankett's jumper at the start of the third gave OU a 38-29 lead over OKWU. The Eagles chipped away at the OU lead, tying the game at 40 all. Ottawa answered with a 9-0 run and after a three by
Jayla Johnson, OU's lead was 49-40 with 3:49 left in the third quarter.
OKWU scored the next five points, cutting OU's lead to 49-45. Two Johnson free throws pushed the Ottawa lead to 51-45. The Eagles scored the final basket of the quarter and OU had a 51-47 lead at the start of the fourth.
Ottawa increased its lead to 10 points, 63-53, with 5:18 on the clock. OKWU cut the Brave lead to five points, 65-50. The Eagles started to foul and sent the Braves to the free throw line.
Nayeli Acosta and Bankett made both of their free throw attempts, giving OU a 69-60 lead with nine seconds on the clock. OKWU scored the final basket of the game as time ran out and OU took the 69-62 victory.
Inside the Box Score
- Ottawa shot 43.6 percent from the floor, 27.8 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 94.1 percent from the free throw line.
- Kennedy Bankett was one rebounds away from a double-double. She finished the game with 25 points and nine rebounds. Bankett also had two steals and two assists.
- Nayeli Acosta was the other Brave in double figures. She finished the contest with 12 points.
- Desiree Marshall-Penny led OU with three assists.
- Hailey Henry had five blocks.
Who is Next
Ottawa (12-9 7-8) returns to the court on Saturday, Feb. 3 in North Newton, Kan. against Bethel College. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m.